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[ { "title": "LEARN | Do you know the energy output of your solar panels? ", "nid": "473", "body": "\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThis is an excellent question. If you have a solar system, you would definitely want to know your return on the investment. In this quick article, we will share with you the tools needed to calculate the amount of power your panels output. We will also mention some of the criteria that may affect solar panel efficiency.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat is the Standard Test Condition Rating?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EWhen choosing a solar panel, you would have referred to the Standard Test Condition (STC) rating to ensure the panel can generate the required amount of energy. The STC rating is indicated by a number listed on the back of the panel. This number advises the amount of power that particular panel will generate under ideal conditions. These ideal conditions of the testing environment include carefully controlled temperature and light.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EExactly 1,000 watts per square meter of solar light is shined on the solar panel during testing. The STC rating\u2019s unit of measurement is the watt or kilowatt. Wattage is calculated by multiplying the solar panel output voltage times the amperes (amps).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat factors impact solar panel output?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe solar panel output depends on multiple factors, such as the solar panel\u2019s size, efficiency, and cell type.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Solar panel size\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe average-sized solar panels found on the market today consist of either 60 or 72 photovoltaic (PV) cells. Typically, because larger solar panels offer a greater surface area to absorb sunlight, they result in higher solar panel power output. On average, 60 PV cell solar panels have a power output of 270 watts to 300 watts and 72 PV cell panels garner between 350 watts and 400 watts of power in standard test conditions.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Efficiency\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar panels come with efficiency ratings. These ratings measure the amount of sunlight each solar panel captures. Solar panels with a 20% efficiency can convert 20% of the sunlight that shines on the face of that panel. Higher efficiency panels cost more than those with lower efficiency ratings.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Solar panel cell type\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe solar panel cell type also affects the power output of a solar panel. Current solar panels are made with silicon solar cells. The most common types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells which have similar solar panel power output.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat factors impact solar panel efficiency? \u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EFinding ways to minimize efficiency-loss enables your panels to generate energy optimally. There are a few factors that contribute to panel efficiency:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Maintenance\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EHow often do you clean your panels? Debris or dust build-up on panels causes them to be less efficient. Wiping them down with a soft cloth a few times a year will give them the best opportunity to operate at their optimum.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Orientation\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe direction your panels face also influences your solar system\u2019s efficiency. Face your panels towards the Equator to maximize your solar panel output. The tilt of your panels also impacts panel efficiency. Set the tilt of your panels equal to your latitude.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Degradation rate\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EEach year solar panels lose approximately 0.5% to 1% of their rated output. This happens to all solar panels regardless of their type, but the exact percentage varies depending on the panel. Consult the panel manufacturer\u2019s warranty for more information on degradation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Shading\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EShade blocks the sunlight your solar panels are meant to absorb and reduces your system\u2019s energy production. Ideally, install your solar power panels in a location that receives full sunlight all year long.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003ECalculating solar panel output\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAfter considering factors that can impact solar panel output and efficiency, you can then figure out how much power your panels are generating on a daily and monthly basis.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESimply follow this calculation:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolar Panel Output = STC Rating (watts) x Peak Sun Hours in a Day x 75% (Daily watt hours)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe daily solar panel output is equal to the panel\u2019s STC rating multiplied by the peak hours of sun your panel gets in a day, multiplied by 75%. Your total is the amount of watt hours that panel produces in a day.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EWhy is 75% in the equation? That\u2019s to adjust for the factors we discussed previously that affect the solar panel output.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EOnce you know the panel\u2019s daily output, you can then multiply this number by the number of days in the month and you\u2019ll have your monthly watt hours.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EYou may be more familiar with kilowatt hours. To convert watt hours to kilowatt hours (kWh) simply divide your watt hours by 1,000.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EConsidering a solar installation for your facility? \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECHAT\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to us!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022maintenance of solar panels\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022f0cfc162-c068-4461-884e-68479a5feb70\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/PHOTO-2020-08-13-14-30-28.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Mar 2021", "terms": "Solar, Education" }, { "title": "READ | The Importance of Measuring Solar Radiation", "nid": "471", "body": "\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIf you\u2019re considering a solar installation for your home or facility, you may want to consider learning about measuring solar radiation. Why is this important? Because the design of your solar system (type and quantity of PV panels, etc.) is affected by the amount of sunlight present in the location of your installation at a given time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn this article, we take a look at solar radiation, global solar radiation and the methods to measure solar radiation.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat is solar radiation?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar radiation is often defined as the energy reaching the earth from the sun. A large part of this is visible sunlight, but the solar spectrum extends into the UV as well as the near infra-red.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar radiation reaches us in different ways: directly from the sun (direct solar radiation), through scattering through the atmosphere (diffuse solar radiation) or via reflections. These quantities can be measured separately, but most of the times people are interested in the total radiation on the surface: the global horizontal irradiance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat is global solar radiation?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EOur sun outputs radiation over wavelengths from 0.15 to 4.0 \u00B5m, which is called the solar spectrum. The measurement of the sun\u2019s radiation on the earth is referred to as global solar radiation. Sometimes called short-wave radiation, global solar radiation is both the direct and diffuse solar radiation received from the hemisphere.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EWhile solar radiation is the amount of radiant energy emitted by the sun, solar irradiation refers to the amount of solar radiation received from the sun per unit area which is expressed in kW/m\u00B2. The below image depicts the solar irradiance map of South Africa.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar map\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022faf2e19c-b22d-4f5f-88c4-62ac60413a73\u0022 height=\u0022551\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/South-Africa_PVOUT_mid-size-map_156x161mm-300dpi_v20170925_0.png\u0022 width=\u0022532\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat are the methods to measure solar radiation? \u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe two common methods which characterise solar radiation are the solar radiance (or radiation) and solar insolation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Solar Radiance\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe solar radiance is an instantaneous power density in units of kW/m2. The solar radiance varies throughout the day from 0 kW/m2 at night to a maximum of about 1 kW/m2. The solar radiance is strongly dependant on location and local weather. Solar radiance measurements consist of global and/or direct radiation measurements taken periodically throughout the day. The measurements are taken using either a pyranometer (measuring global radiation) and/or a pyrheliometer (measuring direct radiation). In well-established locations, this data has been collected for more than twenty years.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Solar insolation \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EWhile solar irradiance is most commonly measured, a more common form of radiation data used in system design is the solar insolation. The solar insolation is the total amount of solar energy received at a particular location during a specified time period, often in units of kWh/(m2 day). While the units of solar insolation and solar irradiance are both a power density (for solar insolation the \u0022hours\u0022 in the numerator are a time measurement as is the \u0022day\u0022 in the denominator), solar insolation is quite different than the solar irradiance as the solar insolation is the instantaneous solar irradiance averaged over a given time period. Solar insolation data is commonly used for simple PV system design while solar radiance is used in more complicated PV system performance which calculates the system performance at each point in the day. Solar insolation can also be expressed in units of MJ/ m\u00B2 per year.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EConsider solar radiation when designing your system\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn PV system design it is essential to know the amount of sunlight available at a particular location at a given time. Ensure that the solar service provider you engage with is able to provide you with a system design that takes solar radiation into account\u2026\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EWe\u0027re launching the second volume of our much-anticipated Solar \u0026amp; Back-Up Power catalogue next month. Be among the first to receive it, straight to your inbox. Click here to \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Catalogue\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREGISTER\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0your interest now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Feb 2021", "terms": "Solar, Education" }, { "title": "NEW SERIES | Understanding Net Metering - Part 3", "nid": "467", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027re wrapping up our series on Net Metering by taking a closer look at Kwa-Zulu\u00A0Natal. What\u00A0progress has been made in integrating Small-Scale Electricity Generation (SSEG) into the local electricity network? Read our article to find out more.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDid you miss out on previous articles in our Net Metering 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--Understanding-Net-Metering---Part-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPart One - what is net metering, how does it work and what are its benefits?\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--Understanding-Net-Metering---Part-2\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPart Two - learn more about the device used in net metering\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003ENet Metering in Kwa-Zulu Natal\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EeThekwini municipality will be launching a pilot program to enable the integration of Small-Scale Electricity Generation (SSEG) to the local electricity network. The purpose of this is to:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFacilitate the safe and orderly interconnection of SSEG systems\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProvide investment certainty and fair compensation to SSEG customers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPromote local economic development and job growth through the creation of a local SSEG industry.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EHow to Apply to be a SSEG \u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn application process has been created to collect and assess information with regards to the connection of SSEG systems to the grid. An approval must be obtained from the municipality before the installation can commence. The installation must adhere to the technical guidelines set out and must be done in a safe and according manner.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat is the Feed in Energy Rate for the Pilot Program?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESSEG customers will be able to consume the electricity that is produced on site thus reducing the energy costs. There are various tariffs that are set out depending on whether it is a residential, business or an industrial SSEG customer but these tariffs are yet to be confirmed. The tariff structure will provide financial credit to the customer when electricity is exported to the grid.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Feed-In-Energy Rate is set based on these two factors:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe municipality will purchase electricity from the SSEG at the same rate that it is bought from the municipality\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe tariffs set by the municipality will be set in a simple manner for the customers. This means that an SSEG customer within a certain rate class will have a similar tariff rate as before the system was installed.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022http://www.durban.gov.za/City_Services/electricity/Tariffs/Current%20Tariffs/Tariff%20Booklet%202020-2021.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHERE\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to read more about eThekwini Tariffs and the rolling out of the pilot program.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERenewable energy solutions are particularly attractive in the face of load shedding, poor power quality, excessive grid power prices, or perhaps the desire to be grid independent.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDue to the rising costs of electricity and the reduction in price for solar systems, it is becoming a financially viable option to invest solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions. Once net metering becomes standardized in SA, solar will undoubtedly become even more attractive.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConsidering solar or back-up power? \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECHAT\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to us for expert advice on the best solutions for your application!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBgS-FfF8Ew\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar panels\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022323754b6-8df4-4938-a9e5-20f5c9271628\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/pexels-photo-371900.jpeg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Feb 2021", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, Education" }, { "title": "NEW SERIES | Understanding Net Metering - Part 2", "nid": "465", "body": "\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn our NEW series, we\u2019re unpacking net metering.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=NEW-SERIES--Understanding-Net-Metering---Part-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPart One\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E outlines what net metering is, how it works and its benefits. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn Part Two, we discuss the device used in net metering... Watch this space to catch the full series!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EThe Device used in Net Metering \u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EA four-quadrant meter is used to record energy consumption and send readings electronically to the supplier. It is used when there is an alternative source of electricity like solar, wind or biomass that is installed alongside the main grid supply.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EHow Does a Four Quadrant Meter Work?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EFirstly, it is required to understand the different types of power and the direction it flows in. These are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EActive Power (P):\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tIt is measured in Watts (W). It is the actual power you may consume and is sometimes referred to as real power.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022 value=\u00222\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReactive Power (Q):\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tIt is measured in Volt-Ampere reactive (VAR). This is power that is stored in components which are then released back again to the source through the AC cycle. Inductors are devices that do this.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022 value=\u00223\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApparent Power (S):\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tThis type of power is expressed in Volt-Ampere (VA).\u00A0 It is obtained by multiplying the RMS voltage by the RMS current. Any power supply used must have the ability to output the apparent power that is delivered to the circuit and not just the active power.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe figure below indicates the 4 quadrants used in a net meter to measure the flow and direction of electricity. There are 4 different load situations that exist when renewable energy is generated.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u00224 quadrants\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022c57109ef-4b9c-4168-92d2-806c5a6ce128\u0022 height=\u0022503\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/reactive-power-control-four-quadrants.gif\u0022 width=\u0022422\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EImporting electricity refers to when electricity is delivered from the grid to the customer. This means that there is a net inflow to the customer\u2019s site (\u002B).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EExporting electricity occurs when it is delivered to the grid from the customer. This means that there is net outflow from the customer\u2019s site (-).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EA Net Meters\u2019 Various Operating Quadrants\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EQuadrant I: Consumers import (\u002B) both active and reactive power.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EQuadrant II: Consumers import (\u002B) active energy but export (-) reactive energy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EQuadrant III: Consumers export (-) both active and reactive energy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EQuadrant IV: Consumers export (-) active energy but import (\u002B) reactive energy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn the next article, we wrap up the series by taking a closer look at net metering in Kwa-Zulu Natal to understand where the province currently stands on net metering.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Subscribe\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESUBSCRIBE\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to receive these articles straight to your inbox as soon as they\u0027re published!\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Feb 2021", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, Education" }, { "title": "NEW SERIES | Understanding Net Metering - Part 1", "nid": "461", "body": "\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe ever rising cost of electricity coupled with the implementation of Load Shedding in South Africa endorses the need of alternative solutions to power up your home or business... Is it possible for these alternative solutions to pay you back whilst saving you money and reducing downtime?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn this NEW series, we introduce you to the concept of net metering. This initial article discusses what net metering is, describes how it works and outlines\u00A0its benefits.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EFollow the series as we unfold more about the device used in metering, and where KwaZulu-Natal currently stands with regards to incentivizing feeding back into the grid...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWhat is Net Metering?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ENet metering is a billing mechanism that is used to credit owners whose renewable energy system feeds electricity back into the national grid.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EHow does Net Metering Work?\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThis occurs when a renewable energy system generates more electricity than what is used in the premises during the day. If the system has a net meter implemented, then the meter will provide a credit against the electricity that is used at night, or during periods when the electricity used exceeds the output of the solar system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022How net metering works\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002259477224-7b80-4d12-ade9-6f02b68a9a43\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/hydro-net-metering-graphic-01_0.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EThe Benefits of Net Metering\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EEncourages the generation of electricity in a clean and efficient manner.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EExporting of power to the grid reduces consumer\u2019s future electricity bills, provided the local municipality has a feed-in-tariff structure in place.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIncreases demand of solar energy, resulting in the creation of jobs for the installers, electricians and the manufacturers that build the systems.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ENet metering also protects national electricity grid by allowing generation of electricity closer to the point of consumption.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003EIn the next article...\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ENow that you have an understanding of what\u00A0net metering is, in the next article we will tackle the device used for it, and its functionality...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EWould you like to receive these articles straight to your inbox? Then \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Subscribe\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESUBSCRIBE\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to our informative newsletters now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Jan 2021", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, Education" } ]