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[ { "title": "Download our Corporate Portfolio now!", "nid": "418", "body": "\u003Cp style=\u0022margin-left:18.0pt;\u0022\u003EHave you downloaded our Corporate Portfolio yet? View our impressive range of services and solutions for your facility.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022margin-left:18.0pt;\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/downloads.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDownload \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003Eyour copy now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022margin-left:18.0pt;\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD8stYZ8Yus\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Magnet profile\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022fa05053b-4136-4c62-8aab-24f15be4d17e\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/corporate%20port-01.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick on the image to watch a quick video on our services and solutions!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeed a solution for your facility? Click \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to chat to one of our experts now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "General" }, { "title": "NEW SERIES | 7 Common Solar Mistakes (part 4)", "nid": "415", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EIn our new series, we\u2019re tackling 7 rookie mistakes that are often made when it comes to \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003Einvesting in a solar solution. \u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDid you miss our previous articles in the series? Click below to catch up now:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E- \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=NEW-SERIES--7-Common-Solar-Mistakes-part-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolar mistakes part 1\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E- \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=NEW-SERIES--7-Common-Solar-Mistakes-part-2\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolar mistakes part 2\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E- \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=NEW-SERIES--7-Common-Solar-Mistakes-part-3\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolar mistakes part 3\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis week, we\u2019re exploring mistakes 5 and 6. Be sure to \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqtJSk4WKew\u0026amp;feature=youtu.be\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ewatch our quick video\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E, and read the article below!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqtJSk4WKew\u0026amp;feature=youtu.be\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022grid tied solar\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002295a2381e-ef4a-4974-8a90-38d565e24cad\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/3.%20Solar_Grid%20Tied%20Case%20Study.JPG\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003ESolar installation Magnet completed for Grid Group, Durban\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMistake 5 | Thinking that solar is a bad investment\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhether its \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=Grid-Tied-Off-Grid-and-Hybrid-Solar-Systems---what039s-the-difference-\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrid-tied, Hybrid or Off-Grid,\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E solar is not a small investment. However, with the long life span of the asset and ever-increasing costs of power, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and payback periods can be really attractive. In some grid-tied projects where electricity costs are very high, an IRR of up to 40% and a payback period of 2 years can be enjoyed on a grid-tied system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, businesses need to calculate their business disruption loss in revenue from load shedding. When considered, a hybrid system starts to look more financially attractive...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce paid off, you are saving money year after year because a large portion (20 \u2013 50%, load profile dependent) of your power is being generated by solar, and not drawn from Eskom. Another incentive is the SARS 12 B renewable incentive, which allows the business to depreciate the full value of the asset at the end of the first tax year, essentially giving the owner 28% of the project value as a tax right off.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMISTAKE 6 | Thinking that a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a great concept\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolar power is a sound investment - we\u0027ve explained\u00A0this in the point above. The first thing to understand is the seller of power owns the system, which means they\u0027re the ones eligible to claim all the incentives. You won\u0027t see a penny from the accelerated depreciation on a power purchase agreement (PPA), and your actual savings will be reduced because you are funding someone else\u2019s asset.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember, most options built around buying power are worked on a take or pay agreement. This essentially means you have to pay for power generated over the period of the contract, irrespective of your need for it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConsidering investing in a solar solution for your facility? Click \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0to chat to one of our solar experts!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDownload our brochure highlighting our commercial solar solutions. Click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/commercial-solar-offer-2020.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/commercial-solar-offer-2020.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022commercial solar solutions\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002289c185ea-145f-40a5-9c49-41b9268fb4ac\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trusted%20commercial%20solar%20solutions.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": "Solar, Back-Up Power, General" }, { "title": "NEW SERIES | 7 Common Solar Mistakes (part 3)", "nid": "410", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EIn our new series, we\u2019re tackling 7 rookie mistakes that are often made when it comes to \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003Einvesting in a solar solution. \u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick here to read\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=NEW-SERIES--7-Common-Solar-Mistakes-part-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Epart 1\u003C/strong\u003E \u003C/a\u003Eand \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=NEW-SERIES--7-Common-Solar-Mistakes-part-2\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Epart 2 \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003Ein the series. This week, we\u2019re exploring mistakes 3 and 4. Be sure to \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgKtfMpe2Uc\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ewatch our quick video\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E, and read the article below!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgKtfMpe2Uc\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022home\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002299ba267b-390b-4137-b7da-eefc46b448b9\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/home.png\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMISTAKE 3 | Thinking that DIY solar is easy\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThinking that you can tackle the task of installing your own solar system is a common mistake we see too often. Have you done your due diligence?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u0027re just starting out with your research, you might think it\u0027s as simple as looking at your latest energy bill - then buying enough panels to cover that usage. But that would ignore factors like:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eyour load profile\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eyour geographical location\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eshading\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Edegradation of equipment over time\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese factors all\u00A0impact the true output of your system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll the above is taken into consideration when simulating the proposed system through proper design software, which any reputable solar provider should have access to. You should never accept a solar quote/proposal without a solar design from Helioscope or PV Syst. That\u0027s why we recommend that you consult with an experienced solar provider first, before investing in your solar system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMISTAKE 4 | Not considering load shedding\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou\u2019ve chosen your solar system, but did you consider whether it\u2019s the right option to see you through load shedding?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u0027re generating your own energy, then the lights should stay on during a power outage, right?\u00A0 Unfortunately, that\u0027s not the case with grid-tied solar systems. When the grid power goes out, so does your grid-tied solar system. This keeps utility workers safe from energy being produced from your solar array.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe remedy for this is a \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=Grid-Tied-Off-Grid-and-Hybrid-Solar-Systems---what039s-the-difference-\u0022\u003Egrid-tied system with battery backup (Hybrid System)\u003C/a\u003E. When the power is on, it functions as a normal grid-tied system. During an outage, a backup battery bank kicks in to keep the lights and essentials on. It costs more, which is completely dependent on the items you deem essential, but the peace of mind is invaluable, especially in South Africa with the ever-present threat of load shedding.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgKtfMpe2Uc\u0022\u003EClick here\u003C/a\u003E \u003C/strong\u003Eto watch our quick\u00A0 video on the above common solar mistakes.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=Grid-Tied-Off-Grid-and-Hybrid-Solar-Systems---what039s-the-difference-\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClick here\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to learn more about the difference between the various solar systems.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThinking about a solar solution for your home or business, then \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eclick here \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003Eto chat to one of our solar experts now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, General" }, { "title": "Light and Health - How lighting influences our well being", "nid": "417", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EDid you know that \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-lighting/index.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Elighting\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E has an effect on your health? In this article, we discuss the connection between light and our well-being.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA millennial medical discovery\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nAt the start of the new millennium, medical scientists discovered a third type of photoreceptor cells in our eyes. Previously, it was believed that the only photoreceptor cells in the eye were rods and cones. Now, we know that the ganglion cells in the retina of the eye are also photosensitive i.e: sensitive to light. These cells have a nerve connection to the biological clock located in the brain. This, in turn, has a nerve connection with the gland responsible for the regulation of some hormones in our body. The revelation here is the direct connection between light, bodily timing and hormones. Therefore, lighting not only has a visual effect but also a non-visual biological effect. This proves that lighting is actually important for our health.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECircadian rhythms\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nThe earth\u2019s rotation on its own axis in 24 hours results in a 24-hour rhythm of light and dark. This rhythm regulates a number of our bodily processes, such as the sleep-wake rhythm and the rhythm according to which certain hormones are produced. These 24-hour rhythms are called Circadian Rhythms.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnother bodily process that is regulated by the earth\u2019s light-dark rhythm is body temperature. The figure below depicts the circadian rhythm of our body temperature.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022bodytemp\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022219a553a-9d12-4ff1-a048-9ac7eebe3947\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Circadian%20rhythm%20-%20body%20temp.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDouble plot (2 x 24 hours) of typical daily rhythms of body temperature (relative scale)\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA healthy person\u2019s body temperature fluctuates in the day and night by about 0.4 degrees centigrade, under the influence of the natural light-dark rhythm.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn a similar manner, the energy hormone cortisol and the sleep hormone melatonin is controlled by this light-dark mechanism over the course of the day and night. These two hormones are responsible for regulating our degree of alertness and sleep. The figure below shows the regulation of these hormones over 2 x 24-hour periods.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022hormones\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002295cd4774-76dc-46fa-b336-868edc77b8dd\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Circadian%20rhythm%20-%20hormones.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDouble plot (2 x 24 hours) of typical daily rhythms of cortisol (blue) and melatonin (grey)\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the roles of cortisol is to increase blood sugar levels, in order to supply the body with energy. Cortisol levels increase in the morning, to give the body energy for the day, and subsequently decrease gradually towards the evening, when less energy is required. On the other hand, the sleep hormone melatonin drops in the morning, reducing sleepiness. It then rises again when it becomes dark in order to facilitate sleep. This sleep effect is strengthened as cortisol is then at its minimum. It is for this reason that it is recommended not to watch TV or use your mobile phone at least a half-hour before bed. This is because screens give off blue light, which photoreceptor cells in our eyes detect as daylight, thereby inhibiting the production of the sleep hormone, making it more challenging to fall asleep immediately.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cimg alt=\u0022blue light\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022a084d21e-da56-4c88-adca-2d54a9a08b76\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/blue%20light.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIllustration of the blue light from screens which inhibit the production of the sleep hormone\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBesides the regulation of bodily processes such as the sleep-wake cycle, the natural 24-hour rhythm of light and dark also ensures our biological clock maintains the 24-hour rhythm. The morning light synchronizes our internal body clock to the earth\u2019s 24-hour light-dark cycle. Without this synchronization, we would gradually adopt the wrong rhythm of alertness and sleepiness. Eventually, this would lead to a period with alertness during the dark hours and sleepiness during the daylight hours \u2013 a phenomenon which you have likely experienced when \u2018jet-lagged\u2019.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.signify.com/global/lighting-academy/browser/video/light-and-health\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to learn more about the effects of light and how it influences the human body and system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECircadian lighting\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nCircadian lighting has been developed with the circadian rhythm in mind. It is based on the concept that electric light can be used to support human health by minimizing its effect on the human circadian rhythm. Circadian lighting therefore mimics the natural changes in light, supporting the body\u2019s biological clock.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=CASE-STUDY--Circadian-Rhythm-Lighting-Installation-at-Growthpoint\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C/a\u003E \u003C/strong\u003Eto read about our Circadian Rhythm lighting installation for Growthpoint.\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Lighting, General" }, { "title": "We provide trusted commercial solar solutions!", "nid": "412", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EInvesting in \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003ESolar\u003C/a\u003E is the right decision. The cost of electricity has risen by roughly 290% in the last 10 years. Receive dramatic cost savings by using less electricity from the grid. Fix your electrical tariff costs for the next 10 years. Click on the image below to download our commercial solar offer brochure!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/commercial-solar-offer-2020.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022commercial solar\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022e353c93d-deac-4148-91ca-0ac051ae2037\u0022 height=\u0022367\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trusted%20commercial%20solar%20solutions.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022639\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELooking for a reliable solar solution for your facility? \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClick here \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003Eto chat to our solar experts now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, General" } ]