Alternative Energy

Do you need a system that will supply electricity during short periods when the national grid is not available? Should the battery backup system recharge from the national grid, from the son or both? Is your aim to make use of the national grid and if necessary, the battery backup system? Would you like to generate, utilize and store electricity via solar for daily use and only make use of the national grid in extreme weather conditions and/or once the battery’s energy capacity is depleted? Would you like to be equipped during periods where the national grid may not be available for a lengthy period? Do you require essential and/or nonessential loads to be fed from the backup/solar system?

Battery Backup system ​ It is a system primarily used to provide backup power to electrical appliances and loads during power outages. This system can be operated as a fixed backup system which is hard-wired to the existing distribution board (total circuits depending on the output and size of the backup system) or as a portable unit where the appliances are plugged directly into the system (appliances dependent on system output and size). The batteries charge continuously via an inverter from the national grid and will supply power once the primary source (Eskom) is not available. ​ In addition to acting as a backup when the power goes out, most battery backup devices also act as power "conditioners" by ensuring that the electricity flowing to your electrical appliances is free from drops or surges to eliminate damage to the appliances. ​ Solar Power system ​ Solar Power is the conversion of renewable energy from sunlight into electricity. Thus, the primary source is the sun. You are most likely familiar with photovoltaics (PV) which is utilized through solar panels. When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow. In short; sunlight is converted to energy (DC voltage) in the solar panel. The DC voltage is converted to AC voltage by an inverter that supplies your load and charges the batteries for later use. ​ In short; sunlight is converted to energy (DC voltage) in the solar panel. The DC voltage is converted to AC voltage by an inverter that supplies your load and charges the batteries for later use. ​ Household, commercial and agricultural environments will most definitely benefit by installing a well-balanced solar system installed by Novalenz: ​ Guaranteed power supply: South Africa’s constant supply of bright light will generate power for you even on overcast days. You are assured of reliable electricity for at least 25 years, usually longer depending on how you treat your system. With a well-balanced system you will be able to generate and store electricity to use in the evenings or during loadshedding, power failures and outages. ​ ​Cost saving: Solar system cost has decreased over the years and are much more affordable than in the past while grid electricity is becoming more expensive. Once a solar system is installed the price hikes won’t affect the user that much. You recoup the installation cost within several years, and after that you generate your own free power. The value of your property increases. Clean, responsible power: You will reduce your carbon footprint and have the satisfaction of being socially and environmentally responsible. You will contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment.

Initial installation cost for a battery backup and solar system is high although it is more affordable than it used to be. The size of a solar system is also dependent on the available space for solar panels. Although solar panels can generate power on cloudy days it will affect the efficiency of the system. No solar power can be generated at nighttime and therefor it is advised to have battery backup to store power. You will have to make lifestyle changes on how you apply and use electricity. Small changes like changing all light bulbs to energy savers, installing a timer for your geyser and switching off appliances on standby will contribute to energy saving practices. Solar system: It is best to run your high-power loads during the day and use your battery power sparingly during the evenings or during power outages. Battery backup system: It is best to run your high-power loads when the national grid is available and use your battery power sparingly during power outages.

Keep in mind that: The higher the electricity load the bigger the system should be. Older appliances usually draw more current than newer appliances. Certain inductive loads (high powered vacuum cleaners etc.) must also be taken in consideration. Ceiling fans and air conditioners also influences the system requirements.

If finances are a concern, consider a phased approach to go solar or off grid. Rather invest in quality components and consider to start your journey by installing a battery backup system which is upgradable to solar and can be upgraded in capacity. Choose your installer wisely. Ask for and follow up on references. Familiarize yourself with the quality of the installation as well as after sales service. Compare apples with apples! The lowest quotation is not necessarily the lowest price for the specific system. There might be a difference in the total and size of solar panels, size of inverter and size of battery. Familiarize yourself with the system component capabilities because this will impact the performance and cost of the system. It is not necessary to install the most expensive system but do not invest in cheap components and equipment. As the saying goes: ‘Penny wise, pound foolish’. Ensure that your inverter is a pure sine wave inverter to eliminate damage to your appliances.

The installation of a Novalenz system will give you peace of mind! We guarantee: A professional service with precision and faultless installation. Workmanship is guaranteed! Top class products and components with guarantees. Novalenz is partnered with key technology and component providers. Our solar power monitoring platform tracks each Novalenz installed system nationwide to ensure optimized system efficiency. That the system will be installed according to set requirements and standards and best practices are applied. Integrity, honesty, transparency and excellent customer service and relationships are part of our core values. We strive to meet the client’s needs and exceed expectations.