As alternative energy sources gain momentum in South Africa, a new report offers invaluable insights for homeowners. Whether you’re looking to maximise your current home’s solar potential or scout for the best locations in SA for future investment, this is the right guide to help you determine what’s the best route to take when it comes to solar power.
Solar Power at Home
Recent discussions from Premier Winde’s 10th Energy Digicon shone a light on financial opportunities for households considering the solar route. Central to this conversation is the groundbreaking research from Standard Bank’s LookSee platform, which has earmarked prime locations in SA to maximise solar energy benefits.
Solar Energy Hotspots Revealed
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the coastal homes basking in the abundant sunlight. Instead, it’s Gauteng that takes the lead, boasting a higher Solar Score than its seaside rivals. So, what exactly does this mean for homeowners? Essentially, if you’re residing in Gauteng, your house is poised to generate a more significant amount of electricity straight from its rooftop.
Marc du Plessis, head of Standard Bank LookSee, emphasises that the performance of a solar system is governed by numerous factors. “The position of your house, the amount of sunlight it receives, any obstacles casting shadows, along with the roof’s orientation, size, and inclination are all critical,” he stated in a recent interview.
Top Solar Energy Suburbs by Province
| Suburbs by Province | Average Kilowatt Hours per Day | Average Solar Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Western Cape | ||
| Camps Bay | 5.4 kWh | 92 |
| Constantia | 5.2 kWh | 91 |
| Stellenbosch | 5.0 kWh | 90 |
| Kwazulu Natal | ||
| Umhlanga | 4.9 kWh | 89 |
| Ballito | 4.7 kWh | 88 |
| Pietermaritzburg | 4.5 kWh | 87 |
| Gauteng | ||
| Sandton | 5.6 kWh | 94 |
| Midrand | 5.5 kWh | 93 |
| Pretoria | 5.3 kWh | 92 |
South Africa stands on the cusp of a solar revolution, with Gauteng leading the way. This Solar Score provides homeowners with a clear pathway to navigate this territory, ensuring they capitalise on the solar potential of their homes.
Some suburbs are better poised to harness the power of the sun than others. Within the Western Cape, regions like Camps Bay, Constantia, and Stellenbosch demonstrate excellent solar energy potential, while in Kwazulu Natal, Umhlanga, Ballito, and Pietermaritzburg top the list.
Yet, Gauteng’s suburbs, such as Sandton, Midrand, and Pretoria, remain undefeated, consistently securing high solar scores. Speaking with Mrs. Nomfundo Makhubu, a Sandton resident who recently transitioned to solar, she said, “The transition was worth every penny. The solar score was an eye-opener, and we’ve been reaping the benefits ever since.”
Such sentiments echo across these top-performing suburbs, validating the robustness of the Solar Score system and the underlying potential that South Africa holds in the realm of solar energy.
Breaking Down the Solar Score
Deciphering these elements can be a challenge for many homeowners, possibly leading to unrealistic expectations when switching to solar. Enter the Solar Score system a beacon of clarity in the somewhat cloudy domain of solar energy.
Using the LookSee Solar Score is a breeze. By merely inputting your address, the system springs into action, crafting a 3D model of your home and juxtaposing it against various solar parameters. This nifty tool then dishes out a Solar Score, a number out of 100, along with insights on your roof’s usable area, the average number of sunlight days, the potential electricity you could generate, and the possible savings to be had.
Historical data indicates that South Africa’s solar energy potential has largely remained untapped. According to the Department of Energy, only a fraction of the country’s total electricity generation capacity comes from solar PV. However, with technological advancements and increasing global emphasis on green energy, solar energy is poised for exponential growth in the nation.
Speaking to Dr. Thabo Ngubane, a leading expert on renewable energy in SA, he commented, “With the erratic power supply and surging electricity prices, homeowners are now recognising the immense value solar energy offers, not just financially but environmentally as well.”
For those eager to harness this power, the message is clear: understanding your home’s solar potential is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. And with tools like LookSee, it has never been easier.