How do I know what solar battery to purchase?

What is a battery? A battery is a container, which consists of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power. This chemical reaction creates a flow of electrons in a circuit. All batteries are made up of three basic components: an anode (the negative...

How do I know where to position solar panels on my roof?

The amount of solar energy that the earth receives on a daily basis is far more than the total energy than what we need – as a matter of fact – almost 6 000 times more. The sun is a powerful source of energy. The picture below indicates the size of the sun compared to...

What is Carbon Track?

From my experience in the renewable energy industry, I have discovered that most people have no idea what their electricity consumption in kilowatts is. A prepaid meter unit is equal to one kilowatt. At the very best, some people have a financial indication of what electricity is costing them. If one digs deeper and asks:...

Solar Pool Pumps

  In South Africa, our pools traditionally have been powered by powerful electrical pump motors. A few years ago, it was normal to have 1,1kW pool pump on a 50 000-litre pool, talk about overkill. Due to the increase in the cost of electricity, it has forced pool installers to reduce to a smaller 750-watt...

What is done in a Heat Pump Service?

The heat pump is mounted outside and is exposed to the elements of the weather.      In the unit, there is an evaporator and a condenser, where the transfer of heat takes place. Any build-up of dirt on the evaporator or condenser will over time affect the performance of the heat pump's efficiency. If there is...

Why does one service a solar geyser?

My Dad was born in 1930 and lived during the time of  World war 2, where he had vivid memories of the hardships his family had to endure during this time. The scars from this experience shaped his personality to want to save anything and everything in case he would need it in the near...

Commercial financing options for solar electricity

Overview South Africa has an abundance in natural resources like the sun and wind compared to many other counties around the world. Making South Africa the ideal business opportunity to invest in renewable energy, in order to exploit cutting edge technology to give your business a competitive price advantage over your competitors. Eskom has the...

Turn the Sun off, my solar water is too hot!!!

Summer is officially on its way! This brings with it the African Sun which will reach thirty degrees plus daily. The wind will blow in Cape Town and the surfers will enjoy the waves at our beaches. But for solar geysers to function at their optimum, they need to be used daily. With the days...

The Lack of legal frameworks for Renewable energy in South Africa

South Africa has benefited for decades from an abundant and cost effective energy supply primarily sourced from coal-fired plants. Electricity generation in South Africa has been dominated by the state-owned enterprise Eskom, who owns and operates the national electricity grid. Eskom currently holds the monopoly in the energy market as it supplies about ninety five percent...

The State of the Nation address 2016: Is the 2016 plan enough to keep the lights on?

The State of the Nation address 2016 (SONA 2016) commenced with more drama than most TV shows, but looking past this, it is important that we understand President Zuma’s speech. This speech not only marks the opening of Parliament for the year, it also highlights the industries that government plans to focus on for the...