{"id":2470,"date":"2026-01-16T13:27:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T13:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/?page_id=2470"},"modified":"2026-07-14T15:51:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T13:51:01","slug":"solar-beginners-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/?page_id=2470","title":{"rendered":"Solar : Beginners Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2470\" class=\"elementor elementor-2470\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f73f613 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f73f613\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9d2c8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f9d2c8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-25-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2471\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-25-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-25-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-25-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-25-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-25.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e514cca e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e514cca\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1199a1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c1199a1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd3584a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"cd3584a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-363fa47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"363fa47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Is Solar Power?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8fcc01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f8fcc01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An introduction<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51aa2f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"51aa2f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"219\">The sun provides more than just light and heat \u2014 it is also a powerful source of energy.<\/p><p data-start=\"221\" data-end=\"508\">Solar power is the electricity generated from sunlight. Using a process called the photovoltaic effect, solar panels convert energy from the sun\u2019s rays into electrical power that can be used to run household and commercial appliances such as lighting, refrigeration, and electronics.<\/p><p data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"607\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">To produce usable solar energy for a home or business, a complete solar power system is required.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9bc4f8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f9bc4f8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb8126d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fb8126d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3288cc6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3288cc6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Main Components of a Solar System\u200b<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aede22c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aede22c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"89\" data-end=\"474\">A solar power system is made up of more than just solar panels. To generate and use electricity effectively, several components must work together.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b9041b e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8b9041b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9eb825f elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"9eb825f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-29.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-2475\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-29.png 1920w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-29-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-29-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-29-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-29-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h3 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">Solar Panels<\/h3><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">Capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b79c009 elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"b79c009\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-2473\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27.png 1920w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h3 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">Inverter<\/h3><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">Converts DC electricity into AC power for everyday use<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-903e6a6 elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"903e6a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-28.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-2474\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-28.png 1920w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-28-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-28-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-28-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-28-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h3 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">Mounting <\/h3><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">Secures panels to roofs or ground structures<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dcffbf0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dcffbf0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"786\">How energy is handled depends on whether the system is connected to the grid:<\/p><p data-start=\"89\" data-end=\"474\">\u00a0<\/p><ul data-start=\"788\" data-end=\"1005\"><li data-start=\"788\" data-end=\"911\"><p data-start=\"790\" data-end=\"911\"><strong data-start=\"790\" data-end=\"816\">Grid-connected systems<\/strong> can feed excess energy back into the utility grid and draw power when solar production is low.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"912\" data-end=\"1005\"><p data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"1005\"><strong data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"934\">Off-grid systems<\/strong> require additional equipment to store and manage energy independently.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29ee1db elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"29ee1db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Additional Components for Off-Grid Systems<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d1f185 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5d1f185\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80cd4de elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"80cd4de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-2477\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30.png 1920w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h3 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">Batteries<\/h3><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">Store generated energy for later use<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7973af elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"a7973af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-31.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-2476\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-31.png 1920w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-31-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-31-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-31-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-31-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h3 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">Charge Controller<\/h3><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">Regulates battery charging to prevent damage<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f8dbe3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0f8dbe3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1431\">All components are connected using balance-of-system items such as cabling, protection devices, fuses, and isolators. Optional monitoring equipment can be added to track system performance and identify faults such as shading or equipment failure.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7c000e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e7c000e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2af715 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b2af715\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0314bbf e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0314bbf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e5cfcd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5e5cfcd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-315e8cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"315e8cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal\">Why Choose Solar Power?<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c978a9f elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"c978a9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Renewable Energy Source<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec8f902 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ec8f902\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Solar power is generated from sunlight, a naturally replenishing resource that will not run out.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b0c810 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"8b0c810\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Reduced Electricity Costs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d47e0dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d47e0dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A correctly sized system can significantly lower grid dependence and, in some cases, reduce electricity bills to near zero.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-712a3fe elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"712a3fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Power for Remote Locations<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad24e23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ad24e23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Solar systems can supply electricity where grid access is limited, unavailable, or prohibitively expensive.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed73097 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"ed73097\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Increased Property Value<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5ed2e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a5ed2e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Properties with solar installations often command higher resale values and attract energy-conscious buyers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-947b38c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"947b38c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39b6070 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"39b6070\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal\">Things to Consider Before Going Solar<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aafd8da elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"aafd8da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-question\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M202.021 0C122.202 0 70.503 32.703 29.914 91.026c-7.363 10.58-5.093 25.086 5.178 32.874l43.138 32.709c10.373 7.865 25.132 6.026 33.253-4.148 25.049-31.381 43.63-49.449 82.757-49.449 30.764 0 68.816 19.799 68.816 49.631 0 22.552-18.617 34.134-48.993 51.164-35.423 19.86-82.299 44.576-82.299 106.405V320c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h72.471c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24v-5.773c0-42.86 125.268-44.645 125.268-160.627C377.504 66.256 286.902 0 202.021 0zM192 373.459c-38.196 0-69.271 31.075-69.271 69.271 0 38.195 31.075 69.27 69.271 69.27s69.271-31.075 69.271-69.271-31.075-69.27-69.271-69.27z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">High Initial Investment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1b94df elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a1b94df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Solar systems require upfront capital, especially when batteries are included.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d99c91b elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"d99c91b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-question\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M202.021 0C122.202 0 70.503 32.703 29.914 91.026c-7.363 10.58-5.093 25.086 5.178 32.874l43.138 32.709c10.373 7.865 25.132 6.026 33.253-4.148 25.049-31.381 43.63-49.449 82.757-49.449 30.764 0 68.816 19.799 68.816 49.631 0 22.552-18.617 34.134-48.993 51.164-35.423 19.86-82.299 44.576-82.299 106.405V320c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h72.471c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24v-5.773c0-42.86 125.268-44.645 125.268-160.627C377.504 66.256 286.902 0 202.021 0zM192 373.459c-38.196 0-69.271 31.075-69.271 69.271 0 38.195 31.075 69.27 69.271 69.27s69.271-31.075 69.271-69.271-31.075-69.27-69.271-69.27z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Sunlight Dependent<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f555a8b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f555a8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>System performance is affected by shading, weather, roof orientation, and location.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4614ef elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"b4614ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-question\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M202.021 0C122.202 0 70.503 32.703 29.914 91.026c-7.363 10.58-5.093 25.086 5.178 32.874l43.138 32.709c10.373 7.865 25.132 6.026 33.253-4.148 25.049-31.381 43.63-49.449 82.757-49.449 30.764 0 68.816 19.799 68.816 49.631 0 22.552-18.617 34.134-48.993 51.164-35.423 19.86-82.299 44.576-82.299 106.405V320c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h72.471c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24v-5.773c0-42.86 125.268-44.645 125.268-160.627C377.504 66.256 286.902 0 202.021 0zM192 373.459c-38.196 0-69.271 31.075-69.271 69.271 0 38.195 31.075 69.27 69.271 69.27s69.271-31.075 69.271-69.271-31.075-69.27-69.271-69.27z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Space Requirements<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fee986e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fee986e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Panels require sufficient roof or ground space to generate meaningful power.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-013554a elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"013554a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-question\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M202.021 0C122.202 0 70.503 32.703 29.914 91.026c-7.363 10.58-5.093 25.086 5.178 32.874l43.138 32.709c10.373 7.865 25.132 6.026 33.253-4.148 25.049-31.381 43.63-49.449 82.757-49.449 30.764 0 68.816 19.799 68.816 49.631 0 22.552-18.617 34.134-48.993 51.164-35.423 19.86-82.299 44.576-82.299 106.405V320c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h72.471c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24v-5.773c0-42.86 125.268-44.645 125.268-160.627C377.504 66.256 286.902 0 202.021 0zM192 373.459c-38.196 0-69.271 31.075-69.271 69.271 0 38.195 31.075 69.27 69.271 69.27s69.271-31.075 69.271-69.271-31.075-69.27-69.271-69.27z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Battery Costs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10e0f15 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"10e0f15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Energy storage is the most expensive part of a solar system and should be sized carefully based on actual need.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2572e3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2572e3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"316\">The first thing to decide when you go solar is whether you need a\u00a0grid-tied or off-grid system.<\/p><p data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"316\">Each has a distinct benefit:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0eabf11 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0eabf11\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aafc796 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"aafc796\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7131204 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7131204\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Grid-Tied Systems<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5810a71 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5810a71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/on-Grid-solar-system-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2479\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/on-Grid-solar-system-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/on-Grid-solar-system-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/on-Grid-solar-system-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/on-Grid-solar-system-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/on-Grid-solar-system.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8381dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b8381dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2806\">Connected directly to the utility grid<\/li><li data-start=\"2809\" data-end=\"2880\">Reduce electricity bills by supplementing grid usage with solar power<\/li><li>Do not provide backup power during outages unless combined with batteries<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e8d77c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5e8d77c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-857f626 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"857f626\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Off-Grid Systems<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01b8183 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"01b8183\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Off-Grid-solar-system-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2480\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Off-Grid-solar-system-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Off-Grid-solar-system-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Off-Grid-solar-system-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Off-Grid-solar-system-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Off-Grid-solar-system.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc26a9f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cc26a9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"3038\" data-end=\"3082\">Completely independent of the utility grid<\/li><li data-start=\"3085\" data-end=\"3130\">Require batteries and careful system sizing<\/li><li data-start=\"3133\" data-end=\"3189\">Higher upfront cost but essential for remote locations<\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3230\">Designed for areas without grid access.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-131309a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"131309a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e6f341 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9e6f341\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Hybrid (Grid + Battery) Systems<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-854d61e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"854d61e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hybrid-solar-system--1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2478\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hybrid-solar-system--1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hybrid-solar-system--300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hybrid-solar-system--768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hybrid-solar-system--1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hybrid-solar-system-.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7913732 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7913732\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"3270\" data-end=\"3321\">Connected to the grid and include battery storage<\/li><li data-start=\"3324\" data-end=\"3361\">Provide backup power during outages<\/li><li data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3440\">Allow energy to be stored for later use or optimized for tariff structures<\/li><\/ul><div><p data-start=\"3442\" data-end=\"3516\">Hybrid systems offer flexibility, resilience, and improved energy control.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b50e8b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1b50e8b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-539088f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"539088f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a60ad14 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a60ad14\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is net metering?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9e1444 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c9e1444\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"3549\" data-end=\"3632\">Net metering is an agreement between a solar system owner and the utility provider.<\/p><p data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"3832\">In grid-connected systems, excess solar energy is exported to the grid. The utility then credits the customer for this energy, which can be used later when solar production is low, such as at night.<\/p><p data-start=\"3834\" data-end=\"3896\">Net metering policies differ between utilities and may affect:<\/p><ul><li data-start=\"3899\" data-end=\"3932\">Credit rates for exported power<\/li><li data-start=\"3935\" data-end=\"3955\">Billing structures<\/li><li data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"3988\">Overall return on investment<\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"3990\" data-end=\"4086\">Understanding local net metering rules is essential when designing a grid-tied or hybrid system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b11b16e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b11b16e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26ea10e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"26ea10e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are Solar Panels Made Of &amp; How Do They Work?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e2e5a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3e2e5a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-32-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2481\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-32-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-32-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-32-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-32-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-32.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7efe61d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7efe61d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"598\">Solar panels are made up of solar cells, which are primarily manufactured from silicon, a semi-conductive material. When sunlight hits the silicon, it alters the electrical properties of the material, causing electrons to move and generate direct current (DC) electricity \u2014 a process known as the <strong>photovoltaic effect<\/strong>.<\/p><p data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"807\">Each solar cell is a thin square wafer with electrical contacts on its surface. Multiple cells are wired together, sealed behind protective glass, and mounted on a backing sheet to form a single solar panel.<\/p><p data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"1148\">A single panel cannot supply enough power for most homes or businesses. Multiple panels are therefore combined into an array. Panels wired together and connected to the same inverter input are called a string. Each inverter has defined voltage and current limits, which determine how many panels can safely be connected per string.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4881e3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d4881e3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e58e52f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e58e52f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Long Do Solar Panels Last?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55ae34b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"55ae34b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1386\">Solar panels are designed for long-term use and degrade very slowly over time. Most manufacturers guarantee that panels will still produce at least 80% of their original output after 25 years.<\/p><p data-start=\"1388\" data-end=\"1609\">Panels do not suddenly fail once the warranty period ends \u2014 they simply operate at a slightly reduced output. In practice, many panels outperform their warranties and continue generating usable power well beyond 25 years.<\/p><p data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1690\">It\u2019s important to note that other system components have shorter lifespans:<\/p><ul data-start=\"1691\" data-end=\"1802\"><li data-start=\"1691\" data-end=\"1735\"><p data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1735\">Inverters typically last 10\u201320 years<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1802\"><p data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1802\">Batteries vary depending on chemistry (lead-acid vs lithium)<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1888\">These replacement cycles should be considered when evaluating lifetime system costs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49ac705 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"49ac705\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc80daa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cc80daa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Types of Solar Panels<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38cc537 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"38cc537\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1386\">Types of Solar Panels<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5af4e33 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5af4e33\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98f4e11 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"98f4e11\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-897b8f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"897b8f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Monocrystalline Panels<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-337d30b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"337d30b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"2527\" data-end=\"2561\">Made from a single silicon crystal<\/li><li data-start=\"2564\" data-end=\"2581\">Higher efficiency<\/li><li data-start=\"2584\" data-end=\"2604\">Higher cost per watt<\/li><li>Ideal where space is limited<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc512eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"dc512eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Monocrystalline-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2410\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Monocrystalline-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Monocrystalline-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Monocrystalline-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Monocrystalline-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Monocrystalline.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10fb2e1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"10fb2e1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aaed56e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"aaed56e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Polycrystalline Panels<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9b4f00 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e9b4f00\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2708\">Made from multiple fused silicon fragments<\/li><li data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2736\">Slightly lower efficiency<\/li><li data-start=\"2739\" data-end=\"2754\">More affordable<\/li><li data-start=\"2757\" data-end=\"2797\">Suitable where space is not a constraint<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-faef220 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"faef220\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Polycrystalline-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2409\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Polycrystalline-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Polycrystalline-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Polycrystalline-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Polycrystalline-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Polycrystalline.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6db0cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a6db0cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For a full in depth explanation on solar panels, read our full guide on Solar Panels\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99d3e50 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"99d3e50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/?page_id=2398\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Solar Panel Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4835fe e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d4835fe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6031c3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6031c3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Does Solar Panel Efficiency Mean?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2507c52 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2507c52\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3155\">Solar panel efficiency refers to how effectively a panel converts available sunlight into electricity, not how much power you \u201close\u201d.<\/p><p data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3397\">For example, a panel rated at 20% efficiency converts 20% of the solar energy hitting its surface into usable electricity. Higher efficiency panels allow more power generation in less space, which is especially useful for smaller roofs.<\/p><p data-start=\"3399\" data-end=\"3538\">Efficiency does not determine system performance on its own \u2014 total array size, orientation, and sunlight availability matter just as much.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca02ccc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ca02ccc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4bfb7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b4bfb7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What does an inverter do?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a1abf6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4a1abf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-300x169.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-2473\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-27.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2025ceb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2025ceb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3787\">Solar panels generate DC power, but homes and businesses use <strong data-start=\"3644\" data-end=\"3656\">AC power<\/strong>. The inverter converts DC electricity into AC electricity so it can be safely used by appliances and fed into distribution boards.<\/p><p data-start=\"3789\" data-end=\"3821\">Different inverter types affect:<\/p><ul><li data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"3842\">System scalability<\/li><li data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3870\">Performance under shading<\/li><li data-start=\"3873\" data-end=\"3896\">Monitoring capabilities<\/li><li data-start=\"3899\" data-end=\"3918\">Overall system cost<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da9d923 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"da9d923\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/?page_id=2331\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Full Guide on Inverters<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6e3fdb e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b6e3fdb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b53cb7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8b53cb7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Do Solar Systems Need Batteries?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c1d10c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8c1d10c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-300x169.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-2477\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Welcome-to-Central-Solar-Supplies-30.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fea674 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9fea674\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"3962\" data-end=\"4055\">Batteries are mandatory for off-grid systems and optional for grid-connected systems.<\/p><ul><li data-start=\"4059\" data-end=\"4150\">Grid-tied systems can export excess energy to the grid and draw power back when needed.<\/li><li data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4242\">Off-grid systems must store all generated energy locally, making batteries essential.<\/li><li data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4346\">Hybrid systems combine grid access with battery storage for backup power and energy optimisation.<\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"4348\" data-end=\"4427\">Battery choice impacts system cost, backup duration, and long-term performance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61e7d00 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"61e7d00\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"3962\" data-end=\"4055\">Batteries play a critical role in how and when you use solar energy.<br data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"174\" \/>Choosing the right battery affects backup duration, system performance, and long-term costs. Before adding storage to your system, it\u2019s important to understand capacity, chemistry, and compatibility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c42169a elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"c42169a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/?page_id=2419\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Full Guide on Solar Batteries<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43271a5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"43271a5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be4f2f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"be4f2f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How System Size Is Determined<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cba6646 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cba6646\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"4468\" data-end=\"4500\">Solar system sizing is based on:<\/p><ul data-start=\"4501\" data-end=\"4605\"><li data-start=\"4501\" data-end=\"4526\"><p data-start=\"4503\" data-end=\"4526\">Your energy usage (kWh)<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4547\"><p data-start=\"4529\" data-end=\"4547\">Available sunlight<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4548\" data-end=\"4570\"><p data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4570\">Roof or ground space<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4571\" data-end=\"4605\"><p data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4605\">Inverter and battery limitations<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"4607\" data-end=\"4737\">Panel quantity, string configuration, inverter capacity, and local climate all play a role in determining the correct system size.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86c97bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"86c97bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"4468\" data-end=\"4500\"><strong data-start=\"96\" data-end=\"182\">Correct array sizing is essential for system performance and return on investment.<\/strong><br data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"185\" \/>Panel quantity, layout, inverter limits, and available sun hours all determine how much energy your system can reliably produce.<\/p><p data-start=\"4468\" data-end=\"4500\">Read our Solar Array Sizing Guide to learn how to size your system correctly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3932897 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"3932897\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/?page_id=2364\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Solar Panel Array Sizing Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is Solar Power? An introduction The sun provides more than just light and heat \u2014 it is also a powerful source of energy. Solar power is the electricity generated from sunlight. Using a process called the photovoltaic effect, solar panels convert energy from the sun\u2019s rays into electrical power that can be used to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2470","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Solar : Beginners Guide - Central Solar Wiki<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the basics of solar energy, how solar systems work, key components, and how to choose the right solution for your needs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wiki.solars.co.za\/?page_id=2470\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Solar : Beginners Guide - 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