Have questions about solar?
We understand that it can be difficult to wrap your head around installing a solar system. To help we chatted to our customers and put together a list of the the most frequent questions.
If there is something we aren’t answering feel free to send us your questions in the form below and we will get back to you.
Whether a solar lease is worth it or not depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a solar lease is worth it for you:
- Upfront costs: One of the main advantages of a solar lease is that you can start generating solar energy without having to pay the upfront costs of purchasing a solar system. If you’re looking give yourself some peace of mind against against load shedding without making a large initial investment, a solar lease could be a good option.
- Monthly payments: With a solar lease, you’ll typically make monthly payments to the leasing company. With Solar Dynamo these payments start low and increase at a fixed amount each year. Our increase each year will typically be less than the increases from your municipality or Eskom.
- Savings over time: Every Kilowatt generated by our solar panels on your roof is a kilowatt you do not need to buy from your municipality. In this sense, the system ‘pays for itself’ because the rands you spend on your solar system can be offset by the rands you would have spent on Eskom – plus you get the benefit of protection against load shedding. Also, Solar Dynamo’s increases each year will be less than Eskom – meaning that the energy you get from your system becomes much cheaper over time than the energy you buy from the grid.
- Maintenance and repair: With a solar dynamo lease, we will constantly monitor your system and we will take care of maintenance and repairs for the system. This can be a significant advantage, as the solar system is complex and, with monitoring and maintenance included you save time and money on upkeep costs plus get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that experts are looking after you.
- Flexibility: If you’re not sure how long you’ll be living in your current home, there is no need to worry. We offer a lot of flexibility when you want to move on. . You won’t have to worry about the upfront costs of a solar system, and you can take the panels with you if you move.
Overall, whether a solar lease is worth it or not depends on your individual circumstances, including your energy usage, budget, and goals. It’s important to carefully consider your options and do your research before making a decision.
Solar can work with rental properties, but the logistics and financial arrangements can be more complicated compared to installing solar panels on a property that you own. Here are a few things to consider:
- Ownership: If you’re a landlord, you can install solar panels on your rental property and enjoy the benefits of lower energy bills and potentially increased property value. However, you’ll need to consider whether you want to own the solar panels yourself, or lease them from a third-party company. If you lease the panels, you’ll need to consider the terms of the lease and how it affects your rental income.
- Tenant agreement: If you’re a tenant and want to install solar panels on a rental property, you’ll need to get permission from your landlord. You’ll also need to work out the financial arrangement, such as whether you’ll pay for the panels and installation yourself, or if the landlord will cover some or all of the costs. You’ll also need to consider what happens to the panels if you move out of the rental property.
- Utility bills: If you’re a landlord and own the solar panels on a rental property, you’ll need to consider how the energy produced by the panels will be used and paid for. You could install a separate meter for the rental unit(s) to track energy usage and bill tenants accordingly. Alternatively, you could include the cost of solar energy in the monthly rent.
- Financial incentives: Depending on where you live, there may be financial incentives available for installing solar panels on a rental property. For example, there may be tax credits or rebates available to help offset the cost of installation.
Overall, solar can work with rental properties, but it’s important to carefully consider the logistics and financial arrangements before moving forward with an installation. It’s a good idea to consult with a solar installer and/or an attorney to ensure that you’re following all relevant laws and regulations, and that you’re making a financially sound decision.
Renting solar panels can be a good option for some people for the following reasons:
- Lower upfront costs: By renting solar panels, you can avoid the high upfront costs associated with purchasing solar panels outright. This can be particularly beneficial if you don’t have a large amount of cash on hand to invest in a solar energy system.
- No maintenance costs: When you rent solar panels, the company you’re renting from is responsible for maintaining the panels. This can save you time and money in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about maintaining or repairing the panels yourself.
- Predictable energy costs: With a solar panel rental, you typically pay a fixed monthly fee for your energy usage. This can help you budget your energy costs more effectively and avoid unexpected spikes in your utility bills.
- Environmental benefits: Solar energy is a renewable and clean source of energy, which means that by renting solar panels, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future and reducing your carbon footprint.
- Flexibility: If you’re not sure how long you’ll be living in your current home, renting solar panels can be a good option as you can take the panels with you if you move to a new location.
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to renting solar panels, such as limited control over the system and the potential for increased costs over time. It’s important to carefully consider your options and do your research before making a decision.
The cost of a monthly solar payment in South Africa will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of the solar system, the amount of energy you use, and the terms of the financing agreement. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:
- System size: The larger the solar system, the higher the monthly payment will be. A typical residential solar system in South Africa ranges from 3 kW to 10 kW in size.
- Energy usage: Your monthly solar payment will be based on the amount of energy you use each month. If you use more energy, you’ll need a larger solar system to meet your needs, which will increase the monthly payment.
- Financing terms: The terms of your solar financing agreement will also affect your monthly payment. For example, if you take out a loan to finance your solar system, your monthly payment will depend on the interest rate and the length of the loan term.
- Rebates and incentives: There are several rebates and incentives available in South Africa that can help reduce the cost of installing a solar system. These can include tax credits, rebates from the government or utility company, and feed-in tariffs. These incentives can help lower your monthly payment and make solar more affordable.
Overall, the cost of a monthly solar payment in South Africa can vary widely depending on the size of the system, your energy usage, and the financing terms. It’s a good idea to get a quote from a reputable solar installer to get a better idea of what you can expect to pay.
have more questions?
Our consultants are standing by to help with any questions you might have.