Energy Partners http://www.poweryourself.co.za Home Solutions Sat, 23 Dec 2017 17:28:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.13 Energy Partners sparks joy for animal shelter http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/14/energy-partners-sparks-joy-animal-shelter/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/14/energy-partners-sparks-joy-animal-shelter/#respond Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:06:52 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3957 28 November 2017: Having recently completed a solar energy generation system at the Panorama Veterinary Clinic & Specialist Centre to substantially reduce electricity bills, Energy Partners Home Solutions has also been working to do its part for the animals under the clinic’s care. Cala van der Westhuizen, Head of Marketing and Sales at Energy Partners […]

The post Energy Partners sparks joy for animal shelter appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>

28 November 2017: Having recently completed a solar energy generation system at the Panorama Veterinary Clinic & Specialist Centre to substantially reduce electricity bills, Energy Partners Home Solutions has also been working to do its part for the animals under the clinic’s care.

Cala van der Westhuizen, Head of Marketing and Sales at Energy Partners Home Solutions, a division of Energy Partners and part of the PSG group of companies, says that the company has now focused its efforts towards driving food and cash donations for the Lucky Lucy Foundation.

Van der Westhuizen explains that the Lucky Lucy Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that works tirelessly to relieve the plight of severely neglected and abused animals.

“Our client, Panorama Veterinary Clinic, not only provides top tier service to their patients, but also to the animals of the Lucky Lucy Foundation. Seeing our client’s passion for this cause has also inspired us to make a difference in the lives of these animals. As a result, Energy Partners Home Solutions has decided to partner with Panorama to make sure that even more is done to ensure their welfare.”

He adds that Energy Partners Home Solutions started by putting together a campaign, hosted by Bok Radio, to raise money for much needed medical supplies for the animals of Lucky Lucy Foundation.

In addition, Energy Partners and Panorama have been running a social media campaign during October to drive food donations for the shelter. “Our campaign, which ran until the end of October, invited social media users to guess the amount of money the Panorama Veterinary Clinic will save on their electricity bill in the month of October as a result of their newly installed solar photovoltaic system. Congratulations to Elsie Malan, whose guess was the closest to the correct amount of R4506. Instead of taking her cash prize, Malan decided to donate the amount to the Lucky Lucy Foundation. This inspired everyone at Energy Partners so much that we decided to match her donation,” van der Westhuizen says.

“We handed over the R 9 012 and 2x 12 kg canine adult medium hills food to Lucky Lucy at Panorama Veterinary Clinic on Friday 24 November. We want to encourage everyone to join us in helping to make the lives of Lucky Lucy’s animals better,” Van der Westhuizen concludes.

About Energy Partners Home Solutions

Energy Partners Home Solutions (EPHS) offer clients holistic and innovative home energy solution guaranteed to realise significant savings on a household’s energy bills. In 2016, the organisation launched its ground breaking new product, the ICON Home Energy Hub. The first solar inverter and battery combination developed specifically for the South African residential market.

The ICON forms part of a full home energy solution, including Solar PV, Batteries, Heat Pumps and LED lights. By combining these technologies, Energy Partners (EPHS) is able to provide significantly better savings and financial returns than other solutions: a family sized home could save up to 70% of their electricity bill and earn more than 16% return on their investment – twice what a standard PV-only solution would provide. For more information visit: www.poweryourself.co.za

About Energy Partners

Founded in 2008, Energy Partners is a leading energy solutions provider in South Africa that provides clients with innovative solutions (including fully outsourced supply contracts – e.g. steam generation) to suit their needs. Energy Partners has built a high quality team of talented individuals and robust processes which offer end-to-end solutions and integrate the different components of energy optimisation to deliver optimum results – including capital solutions that put clients in a positive cash flow positions from day one. Industries in which Energy Partners specialise include: food retail, retail, healthcare, hospitality, food processing and logistics. For more information visit www.energypartners.co.za

About PSG

PSG Group is an investment holding company consisting of underlying investments that operate across industries which include financial services, banking, private equity, agriculture and education. PSG Group has a market capitalisation in excess of R40bn, with our largest investment being a 30,7% interest in Capitec.

Additional group companies include Energy Partners, Impak, Curro and Capitec.

The post Energy Partners sparks joy for animal shelter appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/14/energy-partners-sparks-joy-animal-shelter/feed/ 0
EPHS Holiday Power Savings http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/11/ephs-holiday-power-savings/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/11/ephs-holiday-power-savings/#respond Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:47:29 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3929 Are rising electricity tariffs getting you down? Lighten up your festive season with these 7 energy saving tips. By this time of the year, most of us have less spring in our step and more slump in our shoulders. Luckily, the December holidays are just around the corner. While you relax and recharge your batteries […]

The post EPHS Holiday Power Savings appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
Are rising electricity tariffs getting you down? Lighten up your festive season with these 7 energy saving tips.

By this time of the year, most of us have less spring in our step and more slump in our shoulders. Luckily, the December holidays are just around the corner. While you relax and recharge your batteries for the new year, try these 7 tips for saving energy:

  1. Be festive with solar.

Whether you power your whole household with solar PV panels, or simply decorate your home and Christmas tree with solar lights, every bit helps when it comes to saving electricity this festive season.

  1. Do more than just switch off.

Before you lock up your home and hit the road for the holidays, be sure to not only switch off all of your lights and appliances, but also unplug them from the wall sockets. Electronics that are plugged in can “leak” up to 0.05 kWh, even if they are switched off. That is the equivalent of wasting about R0.05 to R0.10 worth of electricity every hour that you are away, which can equate to more than R30 per appliance over a two-week holiday!

  1. Braai for a South African Christmas.

The festive season is a time for sharing good food with family and friends. This year, rather than cooking traditional roasts (which are more suited to cooler climates in any case) consider having a braai on Christmas Day. Not only will the electricity-hungry oven be switched off, but you will be spending less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your favourite people.

If you need inspiration for an electricity-free feast, take a look at this video on how to prepare a Christmas braai.

  1. Go off-grid for a few days.

Consider breaking away to a camping spot or a remote cabin where there is no electricity or cellphone reception. This is a great way to save electricity while you relax and reconnect with your loved ones in the absence of digital distractions. Remember to pack your LED flashlights and solar-powered lanterns!

  1. Give a gift that keeps on saving.

Why not help those close to you save electricity too? Solar jars and candles make good, inexpensive gifts. Also look for energy-efficient or battery-operated alternatives to gifts that require power to work.

  1. Be energy-savvy with your bonus.

Many people use their year-end bonuses to purchase large, pricier household items, such as new electronic appliances. When you go shopping, look out for the latest, energy-efficient models. For example, an Energy Partners Home Solutions heat pump absorbs ambient air and converts it into energy to heat water much more efficiently than a regular electrical geyser. In fact, it will decrease your cost of water heating by as much as 70%! When it comes to cooking, one of the latest energy-savvy innovations is an induction stove, which turns magnetic energy (from the steel pot touching the stove top) into heat energy. Also look out for efficient washing machines and dishwashers that not only use less electricity because they work better and faster, but will also help you to save water.

Remember that if you invest in a new energy-efficient appliance this season, it will pay off well into the new year, when electricity tariffs will be even higher.

  1. Give your fridge and freezer a break.

Fridges and freezers use a lot of electricity. Going on holiday is a good excuse for clearing them out, giving them a summer spring clean and unplugging them for a few days. In the spirit of giving, donate any unwanted food to people in need.

Another great way to ensure your fridge is running more efficiently in 2018 is by checking that the rubber seal around the door is still intact and seals properly. If you plan on living leaner this January and not have a lot of food in your fridge, consider this tip: Cold items keep other items cold, which means that an empty fridge has to work harder to retain its low temperature. So, to increase your fridge’s efficiency even when stocks are low, fill it with a few large bottles of water.

Save energy throughout the year.

An efficient home energy system can help you save up to 70% on your monthly electricity bill. To find out more, call Energy Partners Home Solutions on 0861 000 606 for a free, non-obligatory home energy assessment or visit www.poweryourself.co.za.

Energy Partners, part of the PSG group of companies, has been helping some of South Africa’s most well-known businesses save on their energy costs for over seven years. Energy Partners Home Solutions, a division of Energy Partners, brings the same award-winning solutions to the residential and SME markets by combining state of the art energy e­fficiency technology, solar PV systems and expertise with Energy Partners Home Solutions’ own advanced products. By partnering with Energy Partners, clients can reduce their monthly electricity bills by up to 70%. For more information visit http://www.poweryourself.co.za/ or contact 0861 000 606.

 

The post EPHS Holiday Power Savings appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/11/ephs-holiday-power-savings/feed/ 0
Preparing for the electricity tariff increases before it hits http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/11/preparing-electricity-tariff-increases-hits/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/11/preparing-electricity-tariff-increases-hits/#respond Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:39:12 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3928 South Africans could be paying over 26% more for electricity in 2018. Here’s how you can soften the blow.   Eskom recently announced that they want to increase their electricity tariffs for municipal customers by a whopping 26.9% from 1 July 2018. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) is reviewing the proposed increase […]

The post Preparing for the electricity tariff increases before it hits appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
South Africans could be paying over 26% more for electricity in 2018. Here’s how you can soften the blow.

 

Eskom could soon announce significantly higher electricity tariffs for 2018.

Eskom recently announced that they want to increase their electricity tariffs for municipal customers by a whopping 26.9% from 1 July 2018. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) is reviewing the proposed increase and will announce its decision on 13 December 2017. If it gives Eskom the green light, it will be yet another blow to South Africans’ pockets.

The good news is that there are energy alternatives that can, in fact, help you to save money on electricity. It is now easier and more affordable than ever before for homeowners to become less dependent on the grid and to generate their own clean, free energy. In fact, a state-of-the-art, properly installed home energy system can help you to cut your electricity bill by up to 70% (and in some instances even more). So, make your home immune to yet another electricity tariff hike by powering yourself with efficient energy solutions.

Efficient energy solutions versus the new Eskom tariffs.

The question is: What will the state of your electricity bill be once the new Eskom tariffs kick in, and will these efficient energy solutions really make a difference?

Take a look at the graph below. Here you can see a comparison between four possible situations for an average household with a current electricity bill of R2 500. Each grouping represents different variances of energy efficiency and self-generation that range from having nothing installed, to owning a highly efficient water heating solution (from R31 365*[i]), a full home energy solution (from R110 399*) and being 100% off the grid (starting from R233 294*). The graph shows what the electricity bill would be in each of these scenarios before and after the suggested tariff hike. If the proposed electricity price increase comes into effect, the household that is fully dependent on the grid will be paying R3 125 by the middle of 2018. That equates to an extra R625 per month, which is money that could be spent on another bag of groceries every month, or invested in education or a savings account.

What is most apparent is that the household that installed a full home energy system will be saving more than R2 000 per month after the tariff hike. If you consider that this system can generate electricity for up to 25 years, the investment value starts to make a lot of sense.

 

There obviously is the question of affordability and if you, like most South Africans, have tightened your belt, you will be glad to hear that a home energy system is easier to afford than what you might think. Our systems are excellent investments and typically generate a return of 15% or more on what you have spent. We do, however, understand that not all homeowners have the cash on hand to purchase a system right away. That is why we offer three easy options for you to install an energy-saving system:

  1. Cash purchase: We offer best-in-class technology designed by our expert engineers and installed by our highly experienced teams. You can expect to pay competitive pricing for an investment that will not only save you a lot of money, but also add value to your home.
  2. Financed purchase: As a registered financial services provider, we can tailor-make a financed purchase that suits your budget and requirements. We aim to make your payment as close to your savings as possible, and after the agreed period the system belongs to you and will provide you with free electricity for another 20 years or longer.
  3. Performance Lease Agreement (PLA): You can lease a system from us at a rate determined by the energy generated and used by your household. With the only cost being a very low installation fee this is the easiest way to get a system on your roof and start sharing in the savings immediately. Many clients find that, thanks to their savings, they are soon able to purchase the system.

You can read more about Energy Partners Home Solutions’ smart energy solutions here.

Energy Partners Home Solutions’ comprehensive, efficient home energy systems lead to significant electricity savings and very happy clients.

 

To find out more about powering yourself, call Energy Partners Home Solutions on 0861 000 606 for a free, no-obligation home energy assessment or visit www.poweryourself.co.za.

Energy Partners, part of the PSG group of companies, has been helping some of South Africa’s most well-known businesses save on their energy costs for over seven years. Energy Partners Home Solutions, a division of Energy Partners, brings the same award-winning solutions to the residential and SME markets by combining state of the art energy e­fficiency technology, solar PV systems and expertise with Energy Partners Home Solutions’ own advanced products. By partnering with Energy Partners, clients can reduce their monthly electricity bills by 70%. For more information visit http://www.poweryourself.co.za/ or contact 0861 000 606.

[i] all prices stated are exclusive of VAT and estimates that do not include non-standard design, installations and specific requirements. Contact EPHS today to have one of our experts help you find out what a solution would cost you.

 

The post Preparing for the electricity tariff increases before it hits appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/11/preparing-electricity-tariff-increases-hits/feed/ 0
Eskom lowers tariff application http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/06/eskom-lowers-tariff-application/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/06/eskom-lowers-tariff-application/#respond Wed, 06 Dec 2017 06:23:06 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3923 Power giant Eskom has lowered its tariff application for 2018/19 from an average 19.9% for its direct customers to 18.9% and 27.5% to 26.9% for municipalities. The utility announced adjustments at the closing of energy regulator Nersa’s public hearings about the application. Nersa is expected to announce its decision on December 7. The new tariffs […]

The post Eskom lowers tariff application appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>

Eskom interim CFO Calib Cassim making closing remarks at energy regulator Nersa’s public hearing in Midrand. Picture: Moneyweb

Power giant Eskom has lowered its tariff application for 2018/19 from an average 19.9% for its direct customers to 18.9% and 27.5% to 26.9% for municipalities.

The utility announced adjustments at the closing of energy regulator Nersa’s public hearings about the application.

Nersa is expected to announce its decision on December 7. The new tariffs will take effect on April 1 for Eskom’s direct customers and July 1 for municipalities and their customers.

Read more on Eskom :

Eskom top management due for lifestyle audits – Maritz

Eskom tariff increase could cost us R1bn – Sibanye

Eskom interim CFO Calib Cassim said Eskom’s revenue requirement has dropped by R6.6 billion to R212.8 billion after it excluded costs to be paid to some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for renewable energy. The original application included some projects that would not be ready to sell electricity to Eskom during 2018/19 and these are the ones that have now been removed.

This led to a reduction of R7 billion in the revenue requirement.

Eskom then added R450 million to its primary energy cost to replace the volume of energy those renewables would have supplied with coal generation.

The net effect is a revenue reduction of R6.6 billion.

Eskom’s sales forecast has also been revised downward based on more recent sales figures. It has revised its expected sales volumes to standard customers downward from 192 953GWh to 188 082GWh.

The net effect is that, according to Eskom’s calculations, standard customers should pay 18.9% more and not 19.9%.

Click here to read the full article.

The post Eskom lowers tariff application appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/12/06/eskom-lowers-tariff-application/feed/ 0
These Celebrities Are Using An Ancient Source Of Energy http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/22/celebrities-using-ancient-source-energy/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/22/celebrities-using-ancient-source-energy/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2017 08:21:29 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3901 Many of us look to the stars to inspire us when it comes to living our best lives. Some celebrities are all about the flash and start fads that rarely last longer than a season. Others are set on making a lasting difference in the world, and use their influence to inspire us to do […]

The post These Celebrities Are Using An Ancient Source Of Energy appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
Many of us look to the stars to inspire us when it comes to living our best lives. Some celebrities are all about the flash and start fads that rarely last longer than a season. Others are set on making a lasting difference in the world, and use their influence to inspire us to do the same. Well-known personalities such as tech-trailblazer Elon Musk have been very outspoken about how technology can help us to protect the future. In Hollywood, celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio have also been making headlines with how they are saving the planet.

 

Solar energy is one of the ways in which these pro-earth stars are minimising their carbon footprint. It is clean, renewable energy that is produced by the sun. Through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, households and businesses can use it to power themselves independently from the government-owned electricity grid. Solar energy will be here for as long as the sun is shining, and most of us can generate our own at home.

 

As an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, solar energy can help us to conserve the planet and save money. In fact, as part of an efficient, integrated home energy system, solar energy solutions could help cut a household’s monthly electricity bill by as much as 70%.

 

International solar stars

 

To inspire you, here are a few stars that are utilising the sun to power their households:

Johnny Depp

 

Hollywood icon Johnny Depp.
Source: Wikipedia.org

The world’s favourite on-screen pirate owns an island in real life that is fully powered by a solar-hydrogen energy system. This planet-friendly, self-sufficient piece of paradise is situated in the Bahamas and utilises an energy solution designed by renewable energy trailblazer, Mike Strizki.

Johnny Depp’s private, solar-powered island in the Bahamas. Image: www.pulseday.com

Leonardo DiCaprio

Oscar-winning actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio.
Source: Wikipedia.org

Leonardo DiCaprio is very vocal about the reality of climate change, even speaking out against it in his 2016 Oscars acceptance speech. In that same year, he co-produced a documentary in which he explores the devastating effects of climate change and looks at possible solutions. (The full documentary can be viewed for free here.) He regards renewable energy as a way to help heal the planet. Not only does his home sport solar PV panels, but he used the sun’s energy to power the set of his 2010 movie, Inception. DiCaprio has also produced a documentary called Catching the Sun, which unpacks the economic and environmental benefits of going solar.

 

DiCaprio’s planet-friendly home in Los Angeles. Image: celebcasas.com

 

Edward Norton

Environmental activist and actor Edward Norton.
Source: Wikipedia.org

The Fight Club actor is an environmental champion. He not only uses solar power to keep the lights on in his own home, but it was his bright idea to help low-income families do the same through the BP Solar Neighbors programme. The programme donates a home solar solution to a low-income family for every celebrity purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julia Roberts

Leading lady Julia Roberts.
Source: Wikipedia.org

The Pretty Woman star is more than a pretty face. Her environmental consciousness is inspiring and her eco-friendly home something to aspire to: It is not only powered by the sun, but built with wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and the bathrooms are fitted with recycled tiles.

 

 

Julia Robert’s solar-powered Malibu mansion makes the most of the area’s abundant sunshine. Image: therealdeal.com

 

Pierce Brosnan

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan.
Source: Wikipedia.org

Famous for his role as 007, Pierce Brosnan is an agent for environmental change. His efforts have been recognised by America’s National Environmental Hall of Fame, which honours top environmentalists. He produces his own clean power at home through solar PV and even has an energy-savvy toaster that is powered by an exercise bike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cate Blanchett

Solar supporter and actress Cate Blanchett.
Source: Wikipedia.org

Cate Blanchett is a staunch solar supporter both at home and at work. As Co-Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company, she supported the installation of over

1 900 solar panels on the theatre’s roof in 2010. At the time, it was Australia’s second-largest solar power system.

 

 

Solar advocate Cate Blanchett supported the installation of 1 900 solar panels on the roof of the Sydney Theatre Company.

Leading the way locally

 

Wimpie van der Sandt

Bok Radio’s Wimpie van der Sandt. Image source: Facebook.com

In February 2017, Bokradio’s breakfast show presenter, Wimpie van der Sandt, made his home in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs more energy-efficient. He installed an integrated home energy system from Energy Partners Home Solutions, which has helped him to save close to R20 000 on electricity to date. His home energy solution comprises efficient water heating, solar PV and Energy Partners Home Solutions’ state-of-the-art Icon™ battery/inverter combo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Become a solar superstar

You, too, can go green and save on electricity in your household: Thanks to ever-improving technology, it is now more affordable and simpler than ever before to power yourself with the sun.

To find out more about Energy Partners Home Solutions’ modular energy solutions that suit your budget and lifestyle, contact us today for a free, no-obligation home energy assessment. Visit www.poweryourself.co.za or call 0861 000 606.

The post These Celebrities Are Using An Ancient Source Of Energy appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/22/celebrities-using-ancient-source-energy/feed/ 0
We’re Taking A Roadtrip Into The Near Future With EVs http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/22/taking-roadtrip-near-future/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/22/taking-roadtrip-near-future/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2017 07:17:34 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3893 It is no longer controversial to say that electric transport will be the dominant means of travel very soon. With the realisation of this possibility, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), or notion at least, has enjoyed steady growth. In fact, according to a recent report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), by 2040, 33% […]

The post We’re Taking A Roadtrip Into The Near Future With EVs appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
It is no longer controversial to say that electric transport will be the dominant means of travel very soon. With the realisation of this possibility, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), or notion at least, has enjoyed steady growth. In fact, according to a recent report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), by 2040, 33% of cars globally will be electric, as too will 54% of new car sales. The benefits of EVs are numerous and obvious, especially since petrol is not planet-friendly, nonrenewable and becoming increasingly more expensive.

Tesla charging station

EVs now even enjoy the same superb performance statistics as many of the top combustion fired engines do: Tesla’s P100D can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.38 seconds. It is no wonder, then, that the defenders of our current reliance on nonrenewable energy are now most certainly in the minority.

 

The Nissan Leaf, for instance, a compact five-door hatchback, was the first ever all-electrical vehicle to go on sale in South Africa. It boasts an impressive range of about 195 km on a single charge, enough for the average weekly commute in a city environment. BMW currently has two options available in South Africa: the i3 and i8. While the i8 is a hybrid vehicle, meaning it uses both petrol and electricity, reaching a maximum range of 37 km on electricity alone, the i3 is all-electric and has a range of between 129 km to 161 km, depending on how efficiently you drive. There are many other models currently available and being developed.

 

Rising petrol prices are always a concern for South African drivers. Perhaps the most standout feature of EVs, is the fact that, when it comes to petrol, they offer a lower running cost.

 

The graph compares the cost of driving a Nissan Leaf compared to a petrol-fuelled and a hybrid model respectively. It is based on a petrol price of R13 per liter and an electricity cost of R1.19 per kWh.

 

All of these benefits considered: Why are only a handful of South Africans driving EVs?

 

Implementation speed bumps in South Africa.

In South Africa there are a few barriers to adoption, including the lack of infrastructure, vehicle range and the current cost. And so there are indeed the nay-sayers, yet the demand for EVs in South Africa, according to a poll conducted by Wheels 24, looks very promising, with most respondents saying they would consider purchasing one. In this same survey, however, consumers also expressed concern about the range of EVs, although this would just be a symptom of an altogether different problem. Many EVs have actually got very reasonable ranges, depending on how you use them; in city driving conditions (the most conducive to efficiency) many EVs can provide a range of between 129-195 km.

 

However, were South Africa even to develop the necessary charge infrastructure, the power being used would have to come from the grid—a resource already under considerable strain. And as the price of these vehicles drop, and the adoption begins to uptick, so too would demand on the grid. This would result in a situation currently developing elsewhere, with cost fluctuations incentivising off-peak charging to better meet this increased demand. Charging your EV from the grid at a charge station, or even from home, would become increasingly expensive during peak hours. The BNEF study notes that, with the 8 million barrels per day displacement that EVs will cause by 2040, comes a 5% increase in demand for grid provided electricity. The first reaction to this problem might be to charge your EV off-peak, but an even more effective response would be to charge off-grid entirely—preferably at no cost to you, such as would be the case when using a home PV solar system. Elon Musk’s master plan (to be discussed later) actually foresees just such a future.

 

Cost is likely one of the bigger barriers to adoption. On the budget-conscious side of the spectrum, the Nissan Leaf will set you back about R450 000, which is by no means “cheap”. On the price-is-no-obstacle side, you have the BMW i8, starting at R1 755 000, which, even for a supercar, is pretty pricey. But these are early days yet, and as the technology advances and production costs decrease, we will begin to see these prices reach levels that the average consumer would consider reasonable. Tesla’s (who unfortunately has yet to export its models to SA) Elon Musk calls this the master plan part deux: producing high-cost, high-performance, but ultimately low-volume EVs, which would cover the cost of the R&D, with the end of producing an incrementally more affordable, and therefore high-volume unit for a broader market. It has even been suggested that EVs will reach unsubsidised parity with traditional, internal combustion engine cars by 2029.

 

A BMW i8

 

Solar at home paves the way.

Installing a solar PV system at home would dramatically increase the attractiveness of owning an EV. As your savings on both the cost of fuel and grid electricity accumulate, your investment in this technology will begin generating a handsome return.

 

The graph below is a highly simplified comparison between the cost of driving a solar-powered Nissan Leaf EV with driving a petrol-powered Polo 1.4 Trendline over a period of 15 years. The cost of powering the EV with PV stays constant over the 15-year period, while it gets increasingly more expensive to drive the fossil fuel-dependent vehicle. This is because, unlike petrol, the energy generated by a solar PV system is free.

 

Source: Energy Partners Home Solutions

 

According to an article that appeared on Wheels24, experts predict that by 2025, petrol-powered vehicles and EVs will cost the same. This means that, soon, there will be even more incentive to go the EV route.

 

We all know that a car is not an investment, and that it actually depreciates in value, but with this generous return in savings with home solar PVs, can EVs be described as another beast altogether? It certainly seems that way.

The post We’re Taking A Roadtrip Into The Near Future With EVs appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/22/taking-roadtrip-near-future/feed/ 0
Head in the sand: Eskom fails in a land of cheap energy http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/21/head-sand-eskom-fails-land-cheap-energy/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/21/head-sand-eskom-fails-land-cheap-energy/#respond Tue, 21 Nov 2017 09:22:15 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3891 Dom Williams of SOLA Future Energy has recently written this article for Fin24 regarding Eskom’s inability to produce cheaper energy. Renewables pose a threat to coal and nuclear, because wind and solar are undeniably cheaper forms of energy, argues Dom Wills. This year Eskom turned 94 years old. But so far 2017 has been one of the […]

The post Head in the sand: Eskom fails in a land of cheap energy appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
Dom Williams of SOLA Future Energy has recently written this article for Fin24 regarding Eskom’s inability to produce cheaper energy.

Renewables pose a threat to coal and nuclear, because wind and solar are undeniably cheaper forms of energy, argues Dom Wills.

This year Eskom turned 94 years old. But so far 2017 has been one of the most damaging years yet for South African’s besieged power utility.

In 2008 and 2014 Eskom had to cope with load shedding and the power utility took a lot of heat for the rolling blackouts and the subsequent damage to the economy. Yet, during those years, Eskom was at least perceived to be the good guys doing a tough job.

This apparent positive spin led to many South Africans and businesses supporting Eskom’s initiatives to cut energy consumption and increase efficiency.

In contrast, 2017 paints a bleak picture. When compared to 10 years before, the figures speak for themselves. In 2007, Eskom sold 218 TWh electricity for 18.33c per kwh at a 16.11% profit margin. A decade later in 2017, Eskom sold less power – 214 TWh electricity for 82.66c per kWh at a 0.5% profit margin.

Thus, in the last 10 years, the state utility has grown worse off. It is selling less power, for higher tariffs, at a lower profit margin. This begs the question whether solutions exist that could reduce Eskom’s costs and boost profit. And could Eskom implement these solutions?

Click here to read the full article.

 

The post Head in the sand: Eskom fails in a land of cheap energy appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/21/head-sand-eskom-fails-land-cheap-energy/feed/ 0
SACS Invests In Renewable Energy System http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/17/sacs-invests-renewable-energy-system/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/17/sacs-invests-renewable-energy-system/#respond Fri, 17 Nov 2017 08:24:03 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3885 South Africa College High School (SACS) in Cape Town has made a commitment to clean energy by installing a solar system at its Rosedale Boarding House. The solar system was installed by Energy Partners Home Solutions, part of the PSG group of companies. Barry van Selm, Deputy Headmaster at SACS explains that installing a solar […]

The post SACS Invests In Renewable Energy System appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
South Africa College High School (SACS) in Cape Town has made a commitment to clean energy by installing a solar system at its Rosedale Boarding House. The solar system was installed by Energy Partners Home Solutions, part of the PSG group of companies.

Barry van Selm, Deputy Headmaster at SACS explains that installing a solar system at the school was an easy choice. “SACS has become very aware of its carbon footprint, so a renewable energy option was important to us. In the past five years we have also seen huge increases in electricity tariffs so we needed to find a sustainable way of bringing those costs down.”

According to Cala van der Westhuizen, Head of Marketing and Sales at Energy Partners Home Solutions, schools like SACS, with boarding houses and plenty of activity over weekends and holidays, are the perfect place to install solar systems as these types of properties consume most of their energy during the day’s peak solar hours, and can therefore maximise the financial benefits of a renewable energy solution.

He says that the Energy Partners team achieved some interesting results while still working within the parameters that were set by SACS as well as regulatory requirements.

Van der Westhuizen explains that the Energy Partners’ team started off with an in-depth analysis into the requirements of the boarding house. “This involved taking the generation capacity that regulations would permit the team to install, into consideration.”

“According to our findings, we could install a 25 kilowatt inverter at the boarding house, which is the maximum size allowed under NRS regulations for the specific infrastructure of the site. With the actual solar array we had a bit more leeway, so we installed 30.88kWp of multicrystalline solar panels.”

This enables the system to produce at the converter’s maximum level for as long as possible during peak hours and also produce excess power that the school will be able to possibly sell back to the City of Cape Town, says van der Westhuizen.

Van Selm says that as part of the system, the school received a tracking tool that allows them to monitor the system in real time. “Being able to track the system’s energy production is very interesting and allows us to see the results. Our first electrical bill has not arrived yet, but based on what we have seen from the monitoring tool, our use of electricity from the grid has been cut by about one third which amounts to a saving of around R75 000 at the current electricity tariffs.”

“We are very excited about the results we have seen so far and looking forward to reducing our carbon footprint and electricity bills even further in the near future,” Van Selm concludes.

The post SACS Invests In Renewable Energy System appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/17/sacs-invests-renewable-energy-system/feed/ 0
Business Day: Eskom must come clean on coal, groups tell Nersa hearings http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/16/business-day-eskom-must-come-clean-coal-groups-tell-nersa-hearings/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/16/business-day-eskom-must-come-clean-coal-groups-tell-nersa-hearings/#respond Thu, 16 Nov 2017 08:27:38 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3882 Business Day has reported on the Nersa hearing. Eskom was sharply criticised at National Energy Regulator (Nersa) subcommittee hearings for trying to keep some of its operating data secret. This especially related to the utility’s coal costs that were overshadowed by its dealings with the Gupta family. The castigation comes amid widespread criticism of the […]

The post Business Day: Eskom must come clean on coal, groups tell Nersa hearings appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
Business Day has reported on the Nersa hearing.

Eskom was sharply criticised at National Energy Regulator (Nersa) subcommittee hearings for trying to keep some of its operating data secret.

This especially related to the utility’s coal costs that were overshadowed by its dealings with the Gupta family.

The castigation comes amid widespread criticism of the parastatal for recently submitting a one-year revenue application for 2018-19 that seeks permission from Nersa to deviate from the multiyear price determination (MYPD) methodology and minimum information requirements used for tariff applications.

The utility is again pleading that it is short of money.

“Eskom has put forward the best information we have,” Calib Cassim, Eskom GM for financial planning and economic regulation, said.

But he also said the utility’s systems were unable to provide disaggregated financial data related to coal purchasing, handling and other costs at the level of each of its power stations.

Read the full article here.

The post Business Day: Eskom must come clean on coal, groups tell Nersa hearings appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/16/business-day-eskom-must-come-clean-coal-groups-tell-nersa-hearings/feed/ 0
Fin24: Why Eskom is asking for a 19.9% tariff hike http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/16/fin24-eskom-asking-19-9-tariff-hike/ http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/16/fin24-eskom-asking-19-9-tariff-hike/#respond Thu, 16 Nov 2017 08:19:23 +0000 http://www.poweryourself.co.za/?p=3879 Fin24 has recently reported on the reason why Eskom is asking for a 10.9% tariff hike. Johannesburg – Eskom was making a sacrifice on its allowable returns in its latest tariff application to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which will see a drop of R12bn in returns. This is according to Eskom’s […]

The post Fin24: Why Eskom is asking for a 19.9% tariff hike appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
Fin24 has recently reported on the reason why Eskom is asking for a 10.9% tariff hike.
Johannesburg – Eskom was making a sacrifice on its allowable returns in its latest tariff application to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which will see a drop of R12bn in returns.

This is according to Eskom’s team of experts who unpacked the details of the power utility’s application for a tariff hike of 19.9% to the regulator for the 2018/19 year.

Nersa has given Eskom the green light to pursue the hike and hearings into the viability of the proposed tariff increase is scheduled for later this year.

Eskom wants its allowable revenue to increase to R219.5bn, up from the allowable revenue of R205.5bn which Nersa maintained for the 2017/18 year. Essentially the 2.2% increase for 2017/18 was below inflation, said Deon Joubert, corporate specialist of finance and economic regulation.

Hasha Tlhotlhalemaje, general manager of regulation said that in essence Eskom was asking for an absolute revenue increase of R14.3bn. “This is a 7% increase from the previous allowable revenue (approved by Nersa),” she said.

Of this 3.6% of the allowable revenue will be generated from standard tariffs, which is comprised of local customers and the remaining 3.4% of revenue would be generated from export and Negotiated Pricing Agreement (NPA) customers, she explained.

If the application succeeds, Eskom expects an income of R206.2bn from tariffs, Fin4 reported previously. Its average tariff is expected to then rise from 89c per kWh to R1.07 per kWh.

In monetary terms this R219.5bn comes from an increase in primary energy sources of R1bn, an increase of R11.2bn in local Independent Power producers (IPPs), an increase of R13.2bn for operating costs and a R2.8bn increase in international purchases. No change is expected in the level of depreciation. The environmental levy is also expected to decrease with R1.8bn

Eskom is also taking into account that returns will drop R12bn from Nersa’s previous decision. if this decision was not made, the price increase would have been “phenomenally” higher, explained Tlhotlhalemaje.

Read the full article here.

The post Fin24: Why Eskom is asking for a 19.9% tariff hike appeared first on Energy Partners.

]]>
http://www.poweryourself.co.za/index.php/2017/11/16/fin24-eskom-asking-19-9-tariff-hike/feed/ 0