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[ { "title": "Grid-Tied, Off-Grid and Hybrid Solar Systems - what\u0026#039;s the difference? ", "nid": "396", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EOur solar offer includes grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid solutions. But \u2013 what do these solutions actually comprise of? In this article, we will illustrate the difference between these solar solutions to help you decide which system is best for you!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETypes of Solar Power Systems\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Grid-tied\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0 :\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA PV system which is interconnected to the local municipality or local authority and works in tandem to supplement electrical energy usage. This system is typically made up of panels, inverters and the balance of system (BOS), which refers to the remaining components of the PV system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Hybrid\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0 :\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis system is also interconnected to local electrical authority, however, it has batteries as a back up. Typically, the batteries last for only a few hours, and can be used for applications such as load shedding. These systems usually consist of panels, batteries, inverters and BOS.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Off-grid\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0 :\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is a standalone system and is not connected to local power authority. These systems are made up of the same equipment as a hybrid system but have large battery banks. Furthermore, they are typically designed to operate for at least 3 days without any sun light.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolar Panels\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolar panels comprise numerous solar or photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells absorb light energy or irradiance from the sun to produce direct current (DC) electricity. Solar panels installed together make up a solar array.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHave you seen Magnet\u2019s impressive solar array installed at our Head Office in Durban?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Magnet Head Office Solar Array\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00224507b0fd-6090-4a0c-b7cd-468fd666d65a\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/54%20resized.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInverters \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar PV panels needs to be transformed into usable alternating current (AC) electricity. A solar inverter does just that, and provides us with AC electricity used to power homes and businesses.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--The-World-of-Inverters\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHERE\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to learn more about inverters!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESwitchboards\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EVarious appliances in your home or business require AC electricity. A switchboard receives the AC electricity from the inverter, and subsequently directs it to the various appliances and circuits in your house.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBatteries\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf there is any unused electricity, it is sent to and stored in a battery bank in off-grid or hybrid systems. If you are using a grid-tied system, excess electricity is sent to the electricity grid. Note that power is wasted when batteries are at capacity and immediate use for power is not found.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrid-Tied Solar Systems\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESystems that are tied to the municipality electricity grid are the most popular of the three solar systems. \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/grid-tied-solar-solution.html\u0022\u003EGrid-tied systems\u003C/a\u003E do not have a battery bank. Instead, excess electricity may be fed back into the municipality electricity grid, where permitted to do so. As there is no battery involved, grid-tied solar systems are considerably more cost effective in certain applications than off-grid solar systems.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo learn more about Grid-Tied solar systems, click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://youtu.be/gZIZqVKSyzk\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to watch a quick video!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOff-Grid Solar Systems\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOwing to the fact that off-grid solar systems are not linked to the municipality electricity grid, a battery storage system is therefore required. Without an electricity grid connection, excess electricity is sent to the battery bank. However, once the battery bank is full, it stops receiving electricity from the solar system. In the instances when your solar system is not generating power, for example at night, appliances in your home then draw electricity from the battery bank. When batteries are low in charge, for example during times of unfavourable weather, you will need a back-up generator. Ensure that the generator you invest in is sufficient to supply your house and charge the battery bank simultaneously. Remember to factor in the cost of maintaining your generator, and the fuel it requires.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWith the considerable cost of battery banks in mind, this means that off-grid systems are more expensive than grid-tied systems. As such, \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/off-grid-solar-system.html\u0022\u003Eoff-grid systems\u003C/a\u003E are commonly located in remote areas that are situated far from an electricity grid.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHybrid Solar Systems\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGrid-tied solar systems with battery banks are known as hybrid systems. This allows for power generated during the day, to be accessible at night. Batteries can only store power for a few days or at their maximum capacity. When batteries are exhausted, power is then drawn from the grid. Hybrid systems can also charge batteries during off-peak periods when electricity is cheap.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDo you need advice on which solar system is best for you? Chat to one of our experts!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003Eto send an inquiry now.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, General" }, { "title": "MARS LEDRail 4-100", "nid": "395", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMARS LEDRail 4-100 | Watch the video now!\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-lighting/index.html#!itemdetails/name=rail%204%2D100\u0026amp;type=2\u0026amp;id=0167ae59%2D015e%2D4749%2D966e%2Def60f2fca6d0\u0022\u003EMARS LEDRail 4-100\u003C/a\u003E is a high performing and visually effective product. It can be used for general and task lighting in commercial applications, and for accurate \u0026amp; low glare illumination in retail. It is available as a recessed, semi-recessed, pendant or surface mount.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInquire\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E about the full range of product variations now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick on the image below to watch a quick\u00A0video on this impressive \u003Cstrong\u003EMARS product\u003C/strong\u003E!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpUES2wSYu4\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022MARS LEDRail 4-100\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022ebdb6eb0-92bb-4d01-9bff-fb78889dada5\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/MARS%20Led%20Rail%204-100.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Lighting, General" }, { "title": "Subscribe now! | Tech Today Newsletter", "nid": "394", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EWe have just launched our Tech Today Newsletters - an exciting platform to bring to life the latest news and developments in the areas of \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-electrical/index.html\u0022\u003EElectrical\u003C/a\u003E, Lighting, Water and Solar.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWatch now!\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMagnet\u0027s managing director, Brian Howarth, introduces our newsletters. Click on the image to watch the quick video now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bnnOGr008E\u0026amp;feature=youtu.be\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Brian Howarth introduces newsletters\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022afe3dd90-e5c3-480a-8adb-37e88e3dc1c9\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/BH%20Thumbs.png\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave you seen our first Tech Today newsletter?\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur first newsletter is available for you to enjoy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http://comms8.evlink8.net/public/messages/view-online/mynb3YxIDqq3mvRh/Lio8EtPP3UB1iAS8/4f4e46d897e48496\u0022\u003EClick here to read more!\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u0027t miss out - subscribe now!\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBe sure not to miss our weekly newsletters. To receive these via mail, subscribe now by emailing us at\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003Ehello@magnetgroup.co.za\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "General" }, { "title": "Quality of Lighting | New series on lighting", "nid": "393", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EThe beauty of lighting not only lies in its functionality, but also in its quality. Over the next few weeks, we will uncover the various aspects of lighting quality, including topics such as:\u003Cbr /\u003E\n- Lighting Levels\u003Cbr /\u003E\n- Spatial distribution of light\u003Cbr /\u003E\n- Directionality of light\u003Cbr /\u003E\n- Colour of light\u003Cbr /\u003E\n- Economics of light\u003Cbr /\u003E\n- Light and the environment\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nWatch this space to catch the full discussion!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis week, we\u2019re delving into lighting levels...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnderstanding lighting levels\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nLighting level or illuminance, is the amount of light measured on a plane. The work plane is where the most important tasks in the room or space are performed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELighting levels can range from natural illumination provided by moonlight (a few tenths of a lux) to as high as 100\u00A0000 lux (a hot summer\u2019s day). What\u2019s interesting to note is that lighting levels considered satisfactory under electric lighting, is in actual fact quite low depending on the task. The minimum requirement is based on OHASACT.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.signify.com/global/lighting-academy/browser/the-science-of-lighting\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Range of lighting levels\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022365bce04-3625-4a58-ac3b-716f8a1f8206\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/lighting%20level_0.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003ERange of lighting levels from\u00A0Signify\u0027s \u201CThe Science of Lighting\u201D\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat is the effect of lighting levels?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nAdaptation, in visual physiology, is defined as the retina\u2019s ability to adjust to various levels of light. The adaptation state of the eye is determined by the lighting level. The effect of optimum lighting level is a higher adaptation state of the eye. In turn, this results in better contrast sensitivity and lowers the risk of uncomfortable glare. Moreover, when a visual task is considered quite challenging (i.e.: in terms of contrast, or size) a higher level of lighting is then required. Therefore, when a room is adequately lit with the correct lighting level, the effect is an improvement in the time it may take to perform a task, and a reduction in the risk of errors occurring.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow are planes used to determine lighting levels?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nIn most instances, the average illuminance on the horizontal plane is used to measure lighting level. In an office, the horizontal plan of the working area will be the desk. However, there are situations where the exact working area is unknown \u2013 so, how is lighting level measured then? Where the precise working area is not known, the lighting level on an imaginary horizontal surface approximately 75 centimeters above the floor is specified. In outdoor applications, such as street lighting, the road surface is used to measure lighting level. Furthermore, the lighting of vertical objects is also of importance. An example of this instance is in retail lighting, where the proper illuminance of product on vertical shelving makes it more enticing to shoppers and therefore, more likely to be purchased.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022The horizontal working plane in an office\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022b96e7ca6-a04d-4884-95d8-a289c18604ff\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Why-LED-Office-Lights-Are-Good-For-Business-1024x682.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe horizontal working plane in an office\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo learn more on lighting levels, click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBK3HWT4zJQ\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to watch a quick video:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat is Lux?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nLux is used to measure the amount of lighting output in a given area. One lux equates to one lumen per square meter. Lux enables the measurement of the total \u2018amount\u2019 of visible light present and the intensity of the illumination on a surface. Here are some recommendations for adequate lux levels across various applications:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Source: Recommended Lighting Levels according to SANS10114-1\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022c94301a6-b90b-411d-89c2-998f998a6598\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lux%20levels%20diagram_1.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003ERecommended Lighting Levels as per SANS10114-1\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETIP:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nEnjoy the benefit of having a light meter at your fingertips. Click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://apps.apple.com/za/app/light-lux-meter/id934384343\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to download our recommendation for a lux light meter App (iOS).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELighting Standards:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nThere are various national and international standards on the expansive range of outdoor and indoor lighting applications with specifications for lighting level values.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://store.sabs.co.za/pdfpreview.php?hash=d3eaf7f362bc9737b11f728b30f1fdf7b4dbef75\u0026amp;preview=yes\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to preview the South African National Standard for Interior Lighting, SANS10114-1:2020 Edition 4.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat\u2019s next in this lighting quality series? \u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nIn the next article, we will be discussing the spatial distribution of light which will touch on topics such as luminance ratios and glare restriction. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u2019t miss out \u2013 subscribe to our newsletters and keep up to date on the latest technology and trends in electrical, lighting, water and solar!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-right\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.signify.com/global/lighting-academy/browser/the-science-of-lighting\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESource: Signify \u201CThe Science of Lighting\u201D by Wout van Bommel and Abdo Rouhana (2019: second edition)\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Lighting, General" }, { "title": "MARS - Find these products and more in our Lighting Catalogue", "nid": "388", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/magnet-lighting-catalogue.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022MARS - lighting catalogue\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00220cff584b-d19a-434a-bb51-5a83564ec5eb\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/3.%20MARS.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Dec 2019", "terms": "Lighting, General" } ]