Is it better to live without Eskom?

I recently heard an interesting discussion on radio of a man explaining how he and his family (eight people in total) all under one roof live without Eskom.

They do not rely on power from Eskom at all. Yes you heard correctly – they rely on solar and gas power only.

When asked how he managed to do it, the man replied, “Well that’s easy. I had all cables to my home disconnected and installed solar panels. The stove, geyser and fridge run on gas. Yes, installing everything was pricey but I think I am sorted in the long run. Never again do I have to put up with unpredictable power cuts, load shedding as well as outdated and sky-high electricity bills.”

But his new way of living came at a cost as he had to cough up over R100 000. Some people say one can go solar for much cheaper.

“I should’ve done this a long time ago. I am saving money even with a family of eight people. To refill a gas bottle even more than once a month for example is way cheaper than to pay your electricity bill each month. And when we do pay the account our power is off half the time, so what is the point?”

I think this man has a valid point. Having done some research, going solar seems to be the best way to go in future – there are disadvantages though.

Advantages according to www.sustainable.co.za 

• Many solar power storage systems store enough energy to power your home for up to five days.
• Solar power not only makes environmental sense, it also makes economic sense.
• Save money in the long run: after the initial setup costs have been taken care of, solar energy is indeed free.
• Solar power generates enough energy to power an entire household – use it even to heat your pool or your geyser or for outdoor lighting.
• Solar-power systems are durable and low maintenance: once you’re equipped you’re set to enjoy years of trouble-free energy.
• Store energy: solar power can be stored for inevitable rainy days, so you don’t have to worry about your oven being cut off in the middle of a dinner party.
• Environmentally friendly: solar power doesn’t produce any carbon emissions, it’s clean and renewable, which allows you to reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit to alleviate global warming.
• Silent: with no machines or power lines used to generate solar power, systems are completely silent.

Disadvantages:
• Setup costs
• Solar power is obviously not always available – the sun sets, it rains, but solar power can be complemented by the generation of wind power or simply stored for later use