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[ { "title": "NEW SERIES | 7 Common Solar Mistakes (part 2)", "nid": "406", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EOver the next few weeks, we\u2019ll explore some rookie mistakes made when it comes to solar.\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\u003EClick here\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to read last week\u2019s article on mistake 1.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis week, we\u2019re tackling the second common mistake of solar. Be sure to \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1sd_hWL6CE\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ewatch our quick video\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E, and read the article below!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMistake 2 | Confusing Off-grid and Grid-tied\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolar power allows you to generate your own energy, which means you will subsidise your use of power from the grid. People assume this means they will be going off the grid. But that\u0027s not accurate.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn reality, most people are looking for a grid-tied solar system, or a grid-tied system with battery backup for load shedding (Hybrid). In South Africa, unlike other countries around the world, we cannot use the utility/grid to store energy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA true off-grid application doesn\u0027t have access to power lines/the grid, which means that you need another method to store energy for non-sunlight hours.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA true off-grid solution thus requires batteries and a generator which is where the expense comes in. True off-grid solutions are only feasible for locations with no grid connection.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou need to consider what you are wanting:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo you want a financially rewarding solar solution that subsidises your grid usage? Then a grid-tied system will be the solution for you.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo you require backup power for load shedding only? Then either a hybrid solar system, or straight battery storage powered by the grid, will be the solution for you.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo you want to be independent of the grid, irrelevant of the cost\u00A0implications and return on investment? Then an off-grid system is the solution for you.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWatch our quick video on this common solar mistake... Click \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1sd_hWL6CE\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0\u003C/b\u003Enow!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Magnet solar array\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00224d509621-a69c-4aa4-a0c6-4297ba90b288\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/56%20resized.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003ESolar array at Magnet\u0027s Durban Head Office\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESave money with a Solar solution for your home or business!\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt Magnet, we have the technical expertise to design and supply solar and back-up power solutions. We can even recommend an installer near you!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/solar-home.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0to download our brochure now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChat to one of our experts for the best advice on Solar solutions. Click\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0to inquire now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, General" }, { "title": "CASE STUDY | Solar installation completed for Grid Group", "nid": "407", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EWe designed and installed an \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003Eenergy-saving solar system\u003C/a\u003E for Grid Group, Durban!\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=jtiXjYrQDc8\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar array Grid Group\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022d1887040-7d3a-463b-b7bb-73674d8081c0\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.%20Solar_Grid%20Tied%20Case%20Study.JPG\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGrid-Tied Solar System installed for Grid Group, Durban\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject Scope:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETo meter and size a grid-tied solar system to subsidise the electricity usage from the municipality, ensuring optimised production (i.e: a system that produces the load required, not oversized)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDesign a system that would not impact the aesthetics of the building\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDeliver power according to the guaranteed solar system production\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDeliver a 4-year or less payback through electricity savings (on a 20-25 year asset)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMitigate financial risk\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESuccess:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E260kWp grid-tied system was installed\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESystem will reduce the site\u0027s utility consumption by up to 35%\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESeamless system, transition between utility power and solar power is barely noticeable\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Inverter App/Website allows for live system and per-panel performance monitoring\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESolar panels have a liner output warranty for 25 years\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInverters come with a 20 year warranty\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMonthly reporting with quarterly site inspections and panel cleaning ensures the investment is bringing in the anticipated financial returns\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtiXjYrQDc8\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to watch a quick video on this project!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDownload your copy of our Case Studies\u00A0to view our impressive portfolio of energy-saving projects.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/magnet-group-case-study-portfolio.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to download now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThinking about installing a solar solution at your facility? Speak to our experts, we\u0027re here to help you!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003EInquire now.\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, General" }, { "title": "NEW SERIES | 7 Common Solar Mistakes (part 1)", "nid": "400", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EAlthough Solar seems like new technology, it isn\u2019t. \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003ESolar PV\u003C/a\u003E has been used in commercial applications since the 1980\u2019s. However, with cost of technology coming down and the cost of energy constantly going up, we have only really seen a financial attraction over the last 5 years in \u003Cstrong\u003ESouth Africa\u003C/strong\u003E. Now with load shedding, that appeal has expanded to the reliability of power supply. Whatever your attraction, we see several rookie errors repeatedly made in both residential and commercial solar.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver the next few weeks, we will tackle each of these mistakes. Don\u2019t miss out on our articles and quick videos... Watch this space!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDfpju6_0UM\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMistake 1\u003C/strong\u003E |\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003ENot assessing where you can become more energy efficient before installing PV\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is essential to become energy efficient before you \u003Cstrong\u003Einstall PV\u003C/strong\u003E, or at the very least, calculate the efficiencies that will be gained in the near future and then reduce that from your current load to correctly size the solar system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOften the costs to become more energy efficient will be offset by the reduction on required solar system size.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember, there are 278 municipalities in South Africa, roughly 5 of them allow grid feedback. So installing a system that over-produces energy will not benefit you if you are in one of the 273 municipalities...\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWatch our quick video on the first common solar mistake... Click \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDfpju6_0UM\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDfpju6_0UM\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar array on roof\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022ec2f9185-fb45-4d62-ac70-6a4f917807b8\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/bigstock-Solar-Panel-On-A-Red-Roof-14532428.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESave money with a Solar solution for your home or business!\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt Magnet, we have the technical expertise to design and supply solar and back-up power solutions. We can even recommend an installer near you!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/download/solar-home.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to download our brochure now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChat to one of our experts for the best advice on Solar solutions. Click \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to inquire now!\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Aug 2020", "terms": "Solar, Back-Up Power, General" }, { "title": "Did you know that we offer specialised solar solutions? Inquire now!", "nid": "397", "body": "\u003Cp\u003EWe guarantee system performance by designing specialised, bespoke \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.html\u0022\u003Esolar solutions\u003C/a\u003E. Our projects are designed to enable system online monitoring, therefore we can guarantee results and measure performance. Rely on our renewable energy solutions to reduce your cost of energy and fix your electrical cost at today\u2019s rate \u2013 for the next 20 years! Call us, we\u0027re here to help you!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClick \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to inquire now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Magnet\u0027s solar solutions\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022ffe834c0-1c67-4eba-9401-2786f5957194\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Solar_%20social-01_0.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": "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" } ]