It is time for South Africans to put the power back in their own hands.
Here is a fact we know all too well: load shedding is costing the country billions. The latest increase in the interest rate is just another confirmation of an economy deeply scarred by the impact.
Worse still, in recent months there has been an unprecedented escalation in load shedding stages. This has sent many more racing to purchase generators as a backup energy source.
But how feasible are generators as a long-term solution?
For businesses who were looking to make the most of the recent festive season and even back to school retail booms, it may have seemed like a no-brainer.
Over the same time in homes, where several were expecting visits by family and friends, expensive takeaway meals eaten around candles had to be planned for.
However, finding and using generators that run fridges and stoves then became an additional expense that instantly nickeled-and-dimed the festive spirit for many. Loud, fuel-guzzling generators are costly, especially with the non-stop rise in the cost of fossil fuels.
Even seemingly cost-effective and relatively quiet UPS devices have their limitations. They were designed for emergencies, not regular on-going use, which is exactly what the country expects of these devices for the foreseeable future.
Breakdowns and repairs are inevitable. This means the reactive go-to solution is certainly not a long-term solution.
The time to act wisely and decisively is now. Both businesses and homes need to actively look at sustainable solutions. If not, every major occasion and holiday in 2023 will most probably have the same ominous shadow of load shedding over it as last year.
Harnessing the ever-present power of the country’s abundant sunshine, is the long-term solution that must be embraced.
Both economically and environmentally, solar power is a solution whose time has arrived. In fact, the cost of waiting is an expense nobody can afford.
However, as any South African will tell you – the decision to go solar comes down to numbers – rands and cents. Does embracing what many consider to be merely an environmental solution, make economic sense?
Those who embrace hybrid solar solutions now will certainly benefit in the long run. The relief of constant and reliable electricity is the immediate advantage.
The initial investment or contract plan is often cited as a barrier when it is, in fact, one of those “I should have done this sooner” decisions.
Some may not truly appreciate an investment in a contract that feels like an addition to their current Eskom supply. However, over a surprisingly short time the benefits are unquestionable.
Another drawcard which has encouraged many is that VAT registered businesses can claim back what can amount to about 37% of their purchase costs on a system that includes solar panels.
) Vincent Maposa is an authority on smart energy solutions
