COMMON QUESTIONS

We have received many questions via our enquiry form and thought it would help if we list some of the answers to Frequently asked questions:

1. WHAT SIZE SYSTEM DO I NEED?

So this is difficult question to answer, because the answer is, it depends, Frustrating I know! Typically a whole house’s needs will differ greatly from installation to installation, so if you intend to go off grid entirely then a survey of your needs will need to be completed in order to specify the correct system.

We have a handy calculation tool for you that you can download HERE. 

2. WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO POWER ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES

This is the best way to start the journey to become independent of power outages, select the essential appliances you wish to power, examples of these are, alarm system, Internet router, TV, fridges, Computer, lights and so on. These appliances do not draw a large current and the system to run them is relatively small.

3. WHAT IS THE COMBO SYSTEM?

The Combo is a pre-wired inverter in a cabinet that has all the needed switches and fuses. specifically designed to be installed very quickly. It consists of an Inverter, MPPT, Battery charger, AC breakers, Changeover switch, DC Battery disconnect, Solar Fuses, solar DC breaker all pre-wired and installed within an enclosure. It greatly reduces the need to source all these components and to mount and wire on site. It could save as much as 2 days worth of labour!

4. DOES THE COMBO COME WITH SOLAR PANELS AND BATTERIES

No, it does not. We have opted not to include this as some clients may not wish to use the batteries or panels that we keep. Also, the size and type of batteries and panels vary greatly and the one you chose will be dependent on your specific needs and budget.

5. WHAT IS THE GUARANTEE?

The products we use are covered by the manufactures warrantee. Inverters are one year from purchase, Lithium Ion Batteries are 3 years and Gel Batteries are 1 year.

6. WHAT BATTERY IS BEST

It is our opinion that the best value offering at this stage is the Narada Lithium ion phosphate battery. As this type of battery can be discharged deeper that traditional AGM or LEad acid batteries, you can have a lower capacity battery giving as much backup power. The batteries are also lighter, smaller and have their own on board management system. You can also change out single faulty batteries (not possible with AGM) and add more batteries to a bank. The price of a single 4.8KWH Lithium battery has the equivalent backup capacity of 4 200ah AGM batteries and the cost for the 1 Lithium battery is slightly less. Don’t be chased off by the high price tag on the battery, it actually saves you money!

7. WHY BUY FROM SOLAIRE?

I am a qualified electrician, I have spent the last 10 years doing many installations of systems and have learnt what will work best for your home. The Combo system that we developed is a culmination of many installations and a solution to many of the on-site problems that we have encountered. We have no intention of selling a Quick-fix. We wish to create lasting trust relationships with our clients. We intend to allow any South African to b secure in power supply and by installing expandable systems allowing you to keep the lights on and to save on your power bills in the long run.