Solar power is the way to go

Load shedding has become a reality, but some residents are learning to live without Eskom’s services.

The power utility said in December last year that load shedding was here to stay, as it is battling with the constrained power system.

With electricity supply being unstable, South Africans will have to start looking for alternatives to Eskom.

Northcliff resident Efreda Wylie said she is not affected by load shedding as she is completely dependent on solar power.

“Solar power is the way to go. We have great weather and it offers an excellent environment for solar power,” said Wylie.

Wylie and her husband built a large five-star hotel which is completely off the grid.

Meeting at the hotel, she stated that she has peace of mind knowing that they don’t depend on Eskom.

“This system works very well and it is very worth it. One of the reasons for the efficiency of the set-up is that the solar panel array tracks the sun,” she said.

“During bad weather, the system lasts for three days,” Wylie added.

She highlighted that she is able to run several appliances, including multiple fridges, televisions, a pool, and the security system without worrying about being cut off.

Although they spent R500 000 to install the system, she explained that solar power makes financial sense in the long run.

However, during bad weather, Wylie sometimes switches to electricity due to the three-day span.

“I have spent only R500 on electricity since last year,” she said, adding that the community should also start small and invest in solar power.

Local resident Mpho Makhene also said she is fed up with load shedding, and is now getting the most out of the African sun.

“We use an Ace 1 Cookstove, which enables us to cook, charge phones, and save the environment,” said Makhene.

Makhene said she charges the stove with a solar panel and it last for 8 hours.

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