Sun
power
on

Residential

BESPOKE SYSTEM DESIGN
APPICATIONS & APPROVALS
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION
COMMISSIONING AND COC
MAINTENANCE.

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Commercial

ENERGY MONITORING
AUDIT REPORT
BESPOKE SYSTEM DESIGN
APPICATIONS & APPROVALS
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION
COMMISSIONING AND COC
MAINTENANCE
ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN.

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Off Grid

ENERGY LOAD PROFILE
BESPOKE SYSTEM DESIGN
APPICATIONS & APPROVALS
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION
COMMISSIONING AND COC
MAINTENANCE.

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Energy farms

BESPOKE SYSTEM DESIGN
APPICATIONS & APPROVALS
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION
COMMISSIONING AND COC
MAINTENANCE.

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About us

Utility Energy SA is a turnkey, renewable energy solutions company. Utilising intelligent technologies, we provide our clients with clean, renewable solar energy systems to meet their energy requirements.

Our executive team share decades of combined solar- and energy efficiency systems experience.

We offer a comprehensive range of solar and associated products and services, to all who have made the decision to take their energy security into their own hands.

Our engineers design customer-specific systems, employing cutting-edge technology to ensure you have the best product module, at the best price and optimised for the best performance.

For your home and/or business, take your first step towards solar power.
Get Your Customised Solar Energy Proposal Today!

We want to help you

With Utility Energy SA, you will be guided through every step on the way to energy freedom. We understand solar energy can be a daunting decision. Our primary objective is to make this process as easy and simplified as possible.

We take care of the system design, engineering, permits and installation. We utilise the most modern design-software to ensure your solar system will not only match your power requirements, but also produce optimum ROI (return-on-investment) results.

Our professional solar design engineers will assess your power consumption requirements and prepare a Customised Solar Energy Proposal for you, detailing the system, investment options and a financial breakdown in order for you to make an informed decision.

Our Products

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Bespoke system design, based on your usage and consumption data.

We employ only Tier-One Solar products.

Our engineers ensure system compliance and take care of all applications, approvals and certifications.

Solar system maintenance.

POWER BACK-UP SYSTEMS

Works like a Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS).

Plug&Play: No electrician necessary. Plug in and use.

DB-Integrated: Electrician (CoC) installation on Distribution Board.

Various size and capacity combinations to match your needs.

Ensures critical appliances, lights etc stay on during power cuts.

PAY-PER-KWH GENERATION

Commercial/Industrial/Agricultural applications of 40kW systems and higher.

Zero risk. Only pay for metered usage.

Always On.

No need to for panels or batteries.

Fixed tariff plan.

Reduce operating costs.

Eliminate downtime due to power cuts.

Contact us

Address

Available anywhere in Southern Africa

Trading hours

Monday – Friday:
8am to 5pm

Call us

069 443 5279

Take Your First Step Today

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FAQ

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Why should I consider solar energy?

1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live. A UESA ‘Customised Solar Energy Proposal’ will show you a financial breakdown of specific financial benefits you can expect from a solar system.

2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, have many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. (ESKOM, Municipal or Pre-paid)
If you are on pre-paid, you can request a detailed usage statement (which show the amount of units/kW used over a 12 month period) from Eskom or your local municipality.

4. What is net metering?

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies differ in municipal areas, so make sure to do your homework ahead of time. (UESA does this all for you)

5. How does solar impact my property values?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

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How do solar panels work for my home?

6. How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.

7. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate, is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, we have very good sunlight hours available in Southern Africa, and with the high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

8. What happens if there is dirt on solar panels?

Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered in dust or leaves etc, they can’t produce electricity. Airborne dirt is generally very light and since panels are tilted at an angle, most dirt will slide off. If dirt does accumulate, it is quite easy to keep your panels clean.

9. Can I go off grid with solar panels?

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners in urban areas. It is also advisable to add a Generator to keep the battery topped during bad weather, should you decide to go off-grid.

10. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.

11. Do solar systems work during load-shedding or a blackout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid (Grid-Tie) it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are hybrid inverters that will divert and provide backup power from the battery bank.

12. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.

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What are my solar financing and/or incentive options?

13. What solar energy rebates are available?

The 12B Tax Allowance targets Shopping centres, Business Premises, Farms, Small Manufacturing Plants and Properties with larger than residential roof spaces.
Section 12B of the Income Tax Act provides for an accelerated capital allowance in respect of certain assets owned and used by a taxpayer in the generation of electricity from wind power, solar energy, hydropower to produce electricity of not more than 30 Mega Watts as well as biomass comprising organic wastes, landfill gas or plant material. As from 1 January 2016, Section 12B of the Income Tax Act (South Africa) was amended from a three-year (50% 30% 20%) accelerated depreciation allowance on renewable energy to an even quicker depreciation allowance of just one year (100%).
With this incentive, you can deduct the full value of your new solar power system as a depreciation expense from your company’s profits. This means that your company’s income tax liability will be decreased by the same value as the value of the installed solar system. This reduction can also be carried over to the next financial year as a deferred tax asset.
This is a direct saving of 28% on the purchase price from day one on the solar system.
The financial ROI model of such a solar power system looks very attractive. If a system is bought cash, the ROI would be 3-4 years and if it’s on a loan, the ROI would be 4-5 years, depending on the local municipality kWh tariff billing rates.
Based on government’s recent announcement of the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP), there will also be incentives for rooftop solar, and Eskom will develop feed-in tariffs for the purchase of surplus electricity from residential customers. National Treasury is undertaking further work on tax incentives for investment in small-scale embedded generation. Information will be shared with private investors to guide their investment in the national grid. Click on the link below for the SARS Tax incentives for companies.
https://www.sars.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Legal/Notes/LAPD-IntR-IN-2017-01-IN95-Deduction-for-energy-efficiency-savings.pdf

14. What are my solar financing options?

There are three solar financing options: You can purchase your system in cash; take out a solar (green) loan to buy your system, or sign a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA). UTILITY ENERGY SA’s Customised Solar Energy Proposal can help you assess the costs and 20-year savings of each solar financing option. The calculations are based on the system designed for your application and take real quote data into account.

15. Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?

The decision to buy or lease your solar energy system depends on your reasons for going solar. If you are interested in maximizing the financial returns of your solar energy system, buying the system is probably a better decision for you. However, if you prioritize an easy, maintenance-free way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment, you should consider a solar lease.

16. Which is better – solar loans or solar leases?

Solar loans and solar leases each have advantages and disadvantages. Both options reduce your monthly electricity bills and your impact on the environment, but the terms and conditions of each type of agreement are different. Compare solar loans and solar leases on UTILITY ENERGY SA Customised Solar Energy Proposal to determine which one is right for you.

17. How do I choose the best solar loan?

Many different institutions offer solar loans, including most banks, and specialty financing companies. To choose the best solar loan for you, compare options from a few different financing providers. UTILITY ENERGY SA offer specialised, renewable energy financing.

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Am I ready for solar?

18. Can I afford to go solar?

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. There are zero-deposit solar financing options, to make it easy for homeowners with good credit to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar.

19. Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

A north-facing roof with little or no shade, and enough space to fit a solar panel system, will be ideal for installing solar. However, there are cases there are alternatives if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. Contact UTILITY ENERGY SA to learn more about the options available for your requirements. All our proposal offers are based on images of your actual roof.

20. What size solar energy system should I get?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. This differs from building to building and in our opinion, there is no ‘one-size-fits’all’ scenario in solar energy. Our processes have been developed to ensure we can offer you the best system that works to you. UESA will look at your past electricity bills and design a solar energy system to match your needs.

21. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance in the short term, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. UTILITY ENERGY SA will conduct a Technical Review at your site before finalising any installation. We will be able to tell you whether it needs to be replaced before going solar.

22. How long will my solar power system last?

In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.

23. What happens if I sell my solar house?

If you own your solar energy system, your solar house will sell at a premium. Studies have shown that solar energy systems will increase property values. However, if you lease your system, that is not the case because you are not the owner. You will need to buy out your lease before you sell your home, or work with your leasing company to transfer the lease agreement to the home’s new owner.

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How do I evaluate solar quotes?

24. How do I choose a solar installer?

There are a few criteria that everyone should use when choosing a solar installer. Confirm that they are certified, licensed and insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references.
All UTILITY ENERGY SA-approved installers are pre-screened to ensure that they meet these high quality standards. Meet with your solar installer in person before you sign an agreement to ensure that you are comfortable working with them.

25. How do I compare solar quotes?

If you have multiple quotes from different solar installers, comparing them can be difficult. Not all solar installers use the same underlying assumptions and metrics when they provide equipment and financing options to homeowners. In the UTILITY ENERGY SA Customised Solar Energy Proposal, you can make easy side-by-side comparisons to ensure that you understand the costs and benefits of each option.

26. What are the different types of solar panels?

While every solar panel brand and product has unique specifications, UTILITY ENERGY SA has rated solar panels on a five-tier scale, from Poor to Fair, through Good and Very Good, and ultimately up to Excellent. The classifications are displayed on each panel page in the UTILITY ENERGY SA Buyer’s Guide, and are provided alongside every quote that is submitted through the UTILITY ENERGY SA Solar Marketplace to help shoppers compare their options and choose the best solar panels for their needs.

27. What are the different types of power inverters?

Power inverters convert the electricity your panels produce from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power. There are various types of inverters and numerous manufacturers. UTILITY ENERGY SA Customised Solar Energy Proposal will show you detailed product information about the inverter selection, based on the design for your needs. This includes the warranties and/or product guarantees.

28. What happens during the solar power installation process?

The first step to going solar is to provide UTILITY ENERGY SA with your details in order to receive a Customised Solar Energy Proposal. Our obligation-free proposal will include the system design, equipment choices, financing options, and financial breakdown of your benefits. Once you are satisfied with the selections, we will arrange a Technical Review of your site, where the installer will conduct a site visit to assess your property. If there are any additional requirements (or unnecessary options) we will then draw up an Official Quotation for your acceptance. Once you accept this quote, UTILITY ENERGY SA will file the necessary paperwork to have your system approved. The actual installation takes a day or two to complete.

29. Should I ask for a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?

There are SMART technologies available to give a solar energy system owner full control of- and reports on the production, energy utilisation etc of the system in real time. If you are interested in receiving detailed information about how much energy your solar energy system is producing, ask us about solar monitoring system options. In many cases, solar proposals will include free programs to track your system’s performance.

30. Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?

It is not necessary to have batteries on a solar power system (Think Grid-tie). However, when it does include a battery bank, you could have the benefit of back-up power during load-shedding or blackout periods. (This is system design dependant) As long as you are connected to the grid, your system does not need a battery. Excess power can go back into the grid, and you can draw from the grid if you need more electricity than your panels can generate. If you are not connected to the grid, you will need a battery bank to supply power during no sunlight periods, such as night time or rainy, overcast days.

“An asset you own, providing you with a sustainable and secure supply of energy, and is reliant on nothing more than the sun rising tomorrow morning.”
Utility Energy SA

inquiries@uesa.co.za