The Challenge
After living in Pringle Bay for a year before purchasing a home, it became clear that the area faced two major challenges. The local infrastructure was unreliable, leading to frequent power outages – five times in the past year alone. On top of that, load shedding remained an ongoing issue, making a dependable energy solution essential.
The Solution
To achieve greater independence, I opted for a slightly larger solar installation than necessary, ensuring a continuous power supply even when the area’s infrastructure failed. The system not only covers load shedding but also generates surplus energy during summer, and on sunny winter days, we are nearly self-sufficient.
Looking ahead, I plan to further improve efficiency by replacing my geyser with a heat pump to lower energy consumption. The combination of solar panels and a large battery backup has proven to be both a practical and effective solution for maintaining energy stability.
The Outcome
With the new system in place, I have the security of uninterrupted power, reducing reliance on an unstable grid. The decision to invest in solar has provided peace of mind, long-term energy savings, and a sustainable way to power my home – even in an area prone to outages.
