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[ { "title": "READ | Switch to Solar and take advantage of Tax Breaks", "nid": "433", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHave you considered a solar energy solution for your business?\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EYour business is at the mercy of Eskom \u2013 that\u2019s not news. But there is a solution that\u2019s become too appealing to ignore\u2026 Solar Energy. What makes the switch to solar even more viable, is the fact that South African businesses can qualify for a solar energy tax break.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.php\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Save with solar\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002255b73939-a699-40ce-b083-4b6212f5d5c2\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Save-Money-with-Solar.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cb\u003EUse solar energy tax breaks to boost your returns!\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESection 12B of the Income Tax Act (No 58 of 1962) was amended in 2016 in order to make an allowance for the depreciation of specific solar installations.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe accelerated depreciation allowance, as per the amendment, applies to solar systems that generate 1MW or less. It enables businesses to claim 100% depreciation in the year the system is commissioned.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat criteria do companies need to meet in order to qualify for tax breaks?\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAs outlined in the Act, three critical requirements must be met to benefit from tax breaks:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe claim must be made in the same tax year that the system was commissioned\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe system must either be a roof top system, a grid-tied system or a ground-mounted system\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe energy generated from the solar system must be used for business purposes only\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe fine print\u2026\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECompany tax in South-Africa is\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00A028%\u003C/strong\u003E. With this in mind, you can deduct the value of your new solar power system as a depreciation expense from your company\u2019s profits. Essentially, this means that your company\u2019s income tax liability will be decreased by the same value as the value of the installed solar system. Therefore, it is the same as getting a\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003E28% discount\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0on the price of your solar system!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGreat news - the tax break is applicable for all costs of the system, and its installation. This is also inclusive of the cost for components such as panels, AC inverters, DC combiner boxes, racking, cables and wiring. Installation and delivery costs are included too!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMoreover, tax breaks apply whether you pay for the solar system upfront or on credit. However, the break does not include financing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat do tax breaks mean for companies?\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ETax breaks help businesses free up cash flow, which is a much-appreciated benefit in a tough economic climate.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar equipment will\u00A0pay for itself, in a few years. Moreover, the combination of getting energy for \u2018free\u2019, recouping costs via breaks, and no longer spending as much on grid power, makes the switch to solar an obvious choice.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWe provide trusted commercial solar solutions! \u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EConsidering solar for your business, but need a bit more information? Click \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/commercial-solar-offer-2020.pdf\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C/a\u003E \u003C/strong\u003Eto download our brochure.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/commercial-solar-offer-2020.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Invest in solar\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022435c4bf6-0c93-475e-916b-ffc9375811f8\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Invest%20in%20solar.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChat\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to our solar and back-up power experts for a solution now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Oct 2020", "terms": "Solar, Education" }, { "title": "LEARN | Understanding Batteries pt 2 - Sizing and Selection", "nid": "429", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.php\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Battery sizing and selection\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022ebcf98a5-6594-44c3-ac74-a7ec5e305ac0\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/energy-storage-system-blog-3.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn the \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--Understanding-Batteries-pt-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Efirst article of this series\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E, we outlined the differences between the main types of batteries \u2013 Lead Acid and Lithium-ion:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Lead Acid\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nThis type of battery has been used for \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.php\u0022\u003Esolar\u003C/a\u003E energy storage since the very beginning, and it continues to be a popular choice. There is a flooded lead-acid option, and its counterpart, sealed lead-acid. In sum, lead acid batteries require regular maintenance and they have a longer charge time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Lithium-ion\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nLithium-ion batteries are considered to be the most efficient battery type. However, they are not cheap \u2013 these batteries generally carry the highest cost, depending on the brand. Advantages of these batteries are that they are completely maintenance-free, and generally more compact than lead acid. Moreover, lithium-ion batteries require a much shorter\u00A0charge time than lead acid.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--Understanding-Batteries-pt-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to learn more about the types of batteries.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn this\u00A0article, we\u2019re giving you a basic understanding of battery sizing and selection...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow do you size batteries for your specific application? \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EBattery sizing is one of the most important considerations when choosing the specifics of your \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.php\u0022\u003Esolar or back-up power system.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe main objective when sizing a battery bank is to get one that can handle the load coming from the municipal grid or your PV panel array. Moreover, your battery bank needs to provide enough stored power for your needs, without having to regularly discharge to an unhealthy point.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere are a few considerations when sizing batteries:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECalculating your load\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tFiguring out how much battery storage you may need in amp hours (AH), isn\u2019t quite as challenging as you may think. In order to size your battery correctly, it is vital that you know what loads (lights, appliances, power supplies, etc.) you would like to back up on the system, and the duration the load needs to operate during an outage or none-sunshine periods.\u00A0\n\u003Cp\u003E\t\u003Cstrong\u003EWe have a Power Profile tool to help you out with this! Click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=DOWNLOAD--Size-your-System-with-our-Power-Profile-Tool\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C/a\u003E to download now!\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022 value=\u00222\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBattery autonomy\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tTake into account the number of hours or days you want to be able to go before needing to recharge your batteries. If you need to power certain appliances for a specific number of hours (or even days) at a time, without interruption, you\u2019ll need more batteries to carry a bigger load.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHybrid Solar Systems\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tA solution for load shedding is a Hybrid system. Like Grid-tied systems, hybrid systems are also interconnected to the local electrical authority, however, these systems have batteries as a back-up.\n\u003Cp\u003E\t\u003Cstrong\u003EClick \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\u003Ehere\u003C/a\u003E to learn more about the different types of solar systems.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\t\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen sizing a battery bank for a solar system, the following should be considered:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t- cloud coverage\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t- voltage drop\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t- ambient temperature of the area where the batteries will be stored\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t- method of installation\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t- power fluctuations\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t- energy loss due to wear on the system\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBattery selection\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nNow that you\u2019ve sized your battery, how do you go about selecting the right battery for your application? Here are a few considerations to bear in mind:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECost\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tAre you prepared to spend less now, and much more later. Or is it feasible for you to spend more now, and significantly less later? In the end, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Bear this in mind when considering brands of batteries and the maintenance they require.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApplication\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tKnowing how often the batteries will be cycled is important for battery selection. Consider this from the aspect of application \u2013 what do you require battery storage for e.g.: to mitigate the impact of an unreliable grid (load shedding) or to reduce your dependence on the grid (energy-saving); or do you want to go completely off-grid? The latter usually always requires cycling of the batteries.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsable Depth of Discharge \u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tDepth of Discharge (DoD) refers to the percentage of the battery that has been discharged, relative to the overall capacity of the battery. For example, if you have a battery that holds 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, and you discharge 4kWh, the DoD is approximately 80%. The DoD depends on the type of battery you choose. A typical Lead-Acid battery option has a DoD of around 50%. A typical Lithium-ion solar battery option has a DoD of between 80%. This comes into play when calculating your solar battery needs.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBattery charging\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tTo charge a battery, a battery charger must be included in your solar or back-up power system.\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\t\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESystem monitoring\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\n\tMetering assists you in reading the status of the system. Most charge-controllers have features such as indicator lights and readouts already built-in. Consider including devices that monitor voltage and current, record amp-hours, and accurately display the state-of-charge of the battery bank. More detailed information is also captured, which can be useful for troubleshooting. The monitor may be mounted in another room or building, for easy access.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAre you interested in a solar or back-up power solution? Click \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to chat to our experts now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://shop.magnetgroup.co.za/#!category/batteries\u0026amp;id=CDB41F78-B637-429F-8065-B743E913C828#group=back-up-power\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar array on roof\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00229d60fdc6-389e-4bdf-9a3a-b7a4fae724cf\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/56%20resized_0.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://shop.magnetgroup.co.za/#!category/batteries\u0026amp;id=CDB41F78-B637-429F-8065-B743E913C828#group=back-up-power\u0022\u003ESHOP\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E batteries on the Magnet Store now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Sep 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, Education" }, { "title": "LEARN | Understanding Batteries pt 1", "nid": "423", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Batteries\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022bd1d5ea3-5812-4769-a6dd-11965d1cf434\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/energy-storage-system-blog-3_0.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re considering a \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003Esolar or back-up power solution\u003C/a\u003E for your home or facility, important factors to bear in mind are battery types and selection thereof.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn this new series, we\u2019ll be giving you a basic understanding of the various types of batteries which could be used in solar and back-up power systems. We\u0027ll also be\u00A0sharing some advice on how to choose the right battery for your system, and much more. Don\u0027t miss out, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Esubscribe\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to our newsletters now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETypes of batteries\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBatteries enable you to store energy, to use on demand. Solar and back-up power systems use batteries, and this is how it\u2019s done:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1. Battery is charged when the sun is out during the day (solar energy)\u003Cbr /\u003E\n2. The\u00A0above is accomplished via a charger, which can either be linked to solar panels or, in some cases, the charger is built into the inverter\u003Cbr /\u003E\n3. Stored power in the battery can then be used when there is no sun (in the evenings)\u003Cbr /\u003E\n4. Batteries are then recharged the next day, and so forth\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen it comes to electricity storage from solar power systems, there are basically two main types of battery to consider. Here\u2019s our overview of these batteries:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022understanding batteries\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022f626dc10-d9cb-474c-9681-06bd0e2f886d\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/understanding%20batteries-02_0.jpg\u0022 style=\u0022max-width:900px !important\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELead-Acid Batteries\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nThis type of battery has been used for solar energy storage since the very beginning. There is a flooded lead-acid option, and its counterpart, sealed lead-acid.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFlooded Lead-Acid Batteries\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nFlooded lead-acid batteries comprise of cells that are submerged in a sulphuric acid solution. As such, they are also referred to as wet-cell batteries. The plates of every cell in these battery banks must be submerged at all times, so maintaining them involves the adding of distilled water every 6 to 12 months, or even as often as every month, depending on the type of lead-acid battery.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important to note that you should never add any fluid to these batteries other than distilled, deionized water. Batteries must be filled only to the level as recommended by the manufacturer, or else they could possibly overflow during finish-charging.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn sum, flooded lead-acid batteries are, however, the cheaper of the two options, but require regular maintenance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESealed Lead-Acid Batteries\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nAn upgraded version of the flooded lead-acid battery is the sealed lead-acid. They are typically used in instances when a larger storage capacity is required.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlthough sealed lead-acid batteries involve virtually no maintenance compared to its predecessor, they are not without drawbacks either. To help you understand these batteries, here\u2019s a snapshot of their advantages and disadvantages\u2026\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvantages of Sealed-Lead Acid Batteries:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERequire virtually no maintenance\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECharge quicker with a lower voltage\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo not have to be mounted upright\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReduced risk of acid leaks as they are completely sealed\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDisadvantages of Sealed-Lead Acid Batteries:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHigher in price (brand-dependent)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETypically have a shorter lifespan.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELithium-ion Batteries\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nLithium-ion batteries are considered to be the most efficient battery type. Examine their advantages and disadvantages below to draw your own conclusion:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvantages of Lithium-ion Batteries:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELongevity - they typically have a life spanning from around 10-20 years\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECompact \u2013 these batteries are generally smaller and much lighter\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENo maintenance \u2013 these batteries are completely maintenance free\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENo need to mount upright\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHigher Depth of Discharge \u2013 typically more than 95%\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProduce up to 100% of the stored energy\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDisadvantage of Lithium-ion Batteries:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENot cheap \u2013 depending on the brand, these batteries typically carry the highest cost\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat is the main difference between Lead-Acid and Lithium Ion batteries?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\nDepth of Discharge (DoD) refers to the percentage of the battery that has been discharged, relative to the overall capacity of the battery. For example, if you have a battery that holds 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, and you discharge 4kWh, the DoD is approximately 80%. The DoD depends on the type of battery you choose. A typical Lead-Acid battery option has a DoD of around 50%. A typical Lithium-ion solar battery option has a DoD of between 80%. This comes into play when calculating your solar battery needs.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBe sure to catch our next articles in the series, click \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to subscribe to our newsletters!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://shop.magnetgroup.co.za/#!category/batteries\u0026amp;id=CDB41F78-B637-429F-8065-B743E913C828#group=back-up-power\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESHOP\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E batteries on the Magnet Store!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeed a solar or back-up power solution for your facility? Click \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E \u003C/a\u003Eto contact us now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHave you seen our Solar \u0026amp; Back-Up power catalogue? Simply click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/magnet-solar-catalogue.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to download your copy!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/magnet-back-up-power-catalogue.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022BUP Catalogue\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022ed2f36fc-9c18-45ea-87ba-dd1fbdf211f2\u0022 height=\u0022519\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Back%20Up%20Power.emf__0.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Sep 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, Education" }, { "title": "END OF SERIES | 7 Common Mistakes of Solar (part 5)", "nid": "419", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re wrapping up our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003ESolar\u003C/a\u003E Mistakes series by discussing the 7th rookie error \u2013 which is probably the most important one yet!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOypNdQ4KA\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022solar home\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00228af0fc41-612f-410f-8173-78449b774bb7\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/images-01.png\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDid you catch previous episodes in the series? Click below to catch up on our articles and videos 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\u003EMistake 1 | Not assessing where you can become more energy efficient before installing PV\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\u003EMistake 2 | Confusing off-grid and grid-tied solar systems\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\u003EMistake 3 | Thinking that DIY solar is easy\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\u003EMistake 4 | Not considering load shedding\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-4\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMistake 5 | Thinking that solar is a bad investment\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-4\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMistake 6 | Thinking that a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a great concept\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe series ends with the final, and perhaps most important mistake...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOypNdQ4KA\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMistake 7 | Buy cheap, buy twice\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYes the system is a lot of money, and yes there will always be cheaper offers. But cheap is not necessarily best...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMake sure you assess the functionality and warranty periods of the system\u2019s products and design before proceeding with the project. This is particularly important when battery storage is considered.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERegarding\u00A0the installer, ask for reference projects and see how long they have been in business for. You need accountability in 3 or 6 years\u2019 time should there be issues on site. Pick a reputable provider/installer, it will save you in the long run.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEssentially you want an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) provider who will supply and install, this leaves all accountability with one company, leaving no room for finger pointing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn Summary\u003C/strong\u003E:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFrom all the common mistakes discussed, we can learn the following:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo your research and understand the functionality you are looking for... \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, Hybrid or Off-Grid\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOutline a basic scope of supply paying special attention to functionality and expectations. An Engineering, Procurement \u0026amp; Construction (EPC)\u00A0provider should assist you in this phase.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGet comparative quotes from three reputable EPC providers\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo a background check on the potential provider\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDon\u2019t skimp on product\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOypNdQ4KA\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWatch\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E our quick video wrapping up this series on common solar mistakes now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeed a reliable solar or back-up power solution? Click \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to chat to one of our solar experts now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Solar, Education" } ]