In a world where energy sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority, innovative solutions are crucial to mitigate both environmental impact and financial strain. One such solution is the integration of solar battery backup systems, providing households and businesses with reliable power, especially during times of loadshedding.
InPower Energy’s solar installation solution recently stepped in to assist a family with a solar battery backup system. This case study will showcase the effectiveness of such a system.
Client Profile
Our client lives in a suburban area with a monthly electricity bill averaging R1500p/m. Like many South African homes, theirs was also prone to daily disruptions due to loadshedding. This inconvenience caused financial losses, spoiled perishables and interrupted activities such as working from home and homework.
Energy Usage Pattern
After the initial assessment, an energy consumption pattern within the household was determined. While their energy usage during daylight hours was minimal, there was a significant spike in demand during the evening and night hours, aligning with typical family routines.
Solution Implementation
To address our clients specific needs, we recommended the installation of a solar battery backup system tailored to end load shedding while saving them money on their monthly bills. Here's what we implemented:
- Solar Panels - Longi 550W panels were strategically installed to harness ample sunlight during the day, even in partially shaded areas, ensuring maximum energy generation.
- Inverter - An 8kW Sunsynk inverter was selected for its efficiency and compatibility with the chosen solar panels and battery system.
- Battery Capacity - Recognising the client's higher energy demand during non-solar hours, we installed a robust battery backup solution consisting of Hubble AM-2 batteries with a capacity of 11 kWh. This allowed surplus solar energy generated during the day to be stored efficiently for later use, particularly during peak demand times or grid outages.
Outcome and Benefits
The implementation of the solar battery backup system yielded significant benefits for the family:
- Reduced Electricity Bills - By harnessing solar energy and storing it for later use, the family experienced a notable reduction in their monthly electricity bills. The surplus energy generated during the day offset their higher consumption during non-solar hours, resulting in long-term savings.
- Energy Independence - With the ability to generate and store their own electricity, the family gained a sense of energy independence, reducing reliance on the grid and mitigating the impact of the frequency of loadshedding.
- Resilience During Loadshedding - The solar battery backup system provided uninterrupted power supply during loadshedding periods, ensuring continuity of essential services and minimising disruptions to their daily lives.
- Environmental Impact - By transitioning to renewable energy sources, the family significantly reduced their carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
The efficacy of solar battery backup systems in optimising energy usage, reducing costs, and enhancing resilience in the face of power disruptions is unparalleled.