Solis: supporting solar in SADC
For over a decade, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions have been affected by energy issues and continue to experience inconsistent and unreliable power supplies. However, in contrast to the power situation in South Africa where grid instability is at the root of the problem, the populations of many SADC countries such as Botswana and Zambia have no access to electricity whatsoever. As such, authorities are turning to renewable energy to get power where it is needed most.
The right solution for remote areas
Angola only has a 43% electrification rate in urban areas and only 8% in rural areas. And the Democratic Republic of Congo’s electrification rate is even lower at just 8.7%. So, it is clear that the primary motivation for renewable energy in these regions is not to reduce reliance on the grid but instead to provide power to people in remote corners of these countries.
Yet, the electrification average in places like Mauritius and Zimbabwe is already relatively high. So, these areas aim to increase their renewable energy usage for economic reasons. With energy bills rising, grid-tied power is not an affordable option for most residents.
Solar power is the ideal solution to no access to power and volatile power prices. It provides a self-sufficient supply that is more reliable than electricity from the grid, using abundant sunlight to generate cost-effective power. However, there are several different kinds of solar PV systems available that suit the requirements of different sites. So, what kind of system is best for the SADC regions?
Given the lack of energy infrastructure or unreliable national grid, energy storage PV systems are proving popular in the SADC countries. Off-grid systems are not connected to the grid, but hybrid systems are. While the former relies entirely on the power generated by the solar array, using stored surplus energy in winter and at night, the latter only uses solar energy when there is no electricity supply from the grid.
Both systems effectively reduce energy bills and alleviate the strain of power inconsistency, but hybrid systems are more affordable as they require fewer products and are easier to install. For high-performance energy storage solutions that are perfect for the SADC regions, SegenSolar recommends Solis.
Choose quality with Solis inverters
Solis is a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency solar products — namely inverters — that meet the needs of SADC regions.
Solis prides itself on its reliable, durable and cost-effective solar products. All Solis inverters are designed to provide an affordable, uninterrupted energy supply that you can count on. The hybrid inverters are a particular testament to the comprehensive nature of Solis’ solutions, with features to maximise ease of use.
The 6kW hybrid inverter is a single-phase inverter for residential use. It has a long lifespan, equipped with an intelligent BMS function, high-frequency isolation technology and a fanless design. The higher charge-discharge efficiency makes the product more cost-effective, while the remote control feature makes for simple and convenient maintenance. Overall, this is a reliable and straightforward inverter.
The 10kW three-phase inverter is a three-phase solution that is slightly larger than the 6kW inverter, making it ideal for medium to large homes and businesses and small commercial sites. It is just as efficient as the 6kW, with an impressive maximum efficiency of 98.4%. This product also benefits from remote monitoring capabilities and boasts an intelligent EMS function. With three operating modes — self-consumption, time-of-use and off-grid back-up — it is ideal for a range of installations.
Both products are available in Kit Builder: the smartest way to get your solar products on the SegenSolar portal. Simply select your chosen item from the list of compatible options and benefit from a net 3% discount and fast dispatch.
Learn more about Solis products on the portal today. You can find the 6kW and 10kW inverters in the Self-Consumption and Back-Up Kits.