My Durban

Durban News, Business, Accommodation, Directory

Solar Installation Adverts on Social Media – Clicker Beware!

In my travels on and offline I come across many offers being made along with completed installations of solar systems that do not quite ring true.

I can spot a solar installation that will not perform optimally as I drive past and see solar panels on a roof.

I have had to disappoint many people with existing installations that call us in for a consultation wanting to expand on their existing installed systems by “going Grid Tie” or “adding Solar Panels” or “enabling Wi-Fi” or “activating an online App”.

I see many adverts that promise everything and will not quite meet the expectations of the average consumer – many installations are done by companies not traditionally from the the Electrical industry with plumbers, computer technicians, woodworkers and the like touting (and hopefully NOT installing) equipment light on delivery.

When approached by a prospective client we at Straton Solar are driven by a simple philosophy; “Under Promise and Over Deliver”.

To get maximum benefit from a Solar Installation you NEED the expertise of someone who has “been there, done that”. Your monthly average consumption needs to be taken into account along with usage patterns, roof space, roof orientation, roof pitch, shadows over the year, cable runs, essential equipment to be powered and a host of other small considerations, tips and installation methods that a qualified electrician will be aware of.

Any Solar Installation that integrates with your household wiring must be signed off with a valid CoC by a qualified electrician.

Any Solar Installation that connects to the grid must be registered with the local municipality and apply for a Smart Meter.

You need to have a reasonable expectation that your installer will be around (AND able to maintain your system) for at least the amount of time that you have a warranty on your equipment for.

Despite all the above I still come across “dodgy offerings”. A recent advert on Facebook caught my attention promising this; “Get off the grid and into reliable, clean energy” AND “Going Solar hasn’t been easier with these amazing packages”.

Two packages were offered:

  1. A 7.2KVA Package at R84,900 – ‘Perfect For High Energy Use Homes And Small Businesses’
  2. A 5KVA Package at R79,900 – ‘Perfect For The Average House Hold And Small Business’

Included in the R84900 Package:

  • 7.2KVA Synapse Inverter
  • 12 x 335W OR 10 x 410W Solar Panels
  • 1 x 48v 3.5kWH Lithium Ion Battery
  • Battery Brackets
  • Cabling
  • Circuit Protection
  • DB Combiner Box
  • Lugs

NOT included in the above package:

  • Courier Fees
  • Installation
  • Solar Panel Mounting brackets.

So, why do I think that you MIGHT not be well serviced if you purchase the above?

  1. The Solar Package being offered is NOT suitable for Off the Grid applications in a ‘normal’ suburban household
  2. Synapse Inverters are rated for 3000 Watts of Solar Panels NOT 4050 Watts
  3. Synapse Inverters DO NOT do Grid Tie
  4. It is NOT stated whether the Solar Panels are Tier 1 or not
  5. The physical address for the firm on the contact page is Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape OR George, Western Cape – no street, number or suburb.
  6. No phone number is provided
  7. The “CONTACT US TO PLACE AN ORDER” button is to an email address
  8. The company name is NOT the same as the domain name
  9. The domain was first registered on 8 January 2020 – I would not buy a solar system expected to last for 25 years from a company only one year old

IF you are contemplating any purchase of a Solar System please do your homework FIRST – find out from your neighbours whom you can talk to, do research on the internet and then draw up a SPECIFICATION of what you want from your system. Then get various companies to recommend equipment. Then decide on which equipment you want and only THEN ask a select few installers to price on YOUR desired equipment.

At Straton Solar we are happy to consult with you and make recommendations as to which equipment is suitable, draw up the spec and then get you to ask for pricing from installers.

Video: Solar Installation Adverts on Social Media – Clicker Beware!

More Info on Solar Installation Adverts on Social Media – Clicker Beware! here: https://straton.co.za/solar/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Visit MyPR.co.za

Category: Tag: