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Don’t Install Solar

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Now this may sound counter intuitive as Solar actually saves you money!

But, it would be very prudent to ensure that you reduce your electricity consumption as much as you can BEFORE the installation of a solar system. The reason is simple – we all tend to ‘grow’ larger – more available electricity means more usage just like more money means more spending. Frankly – it is cheaper to save electricity than to install more panels when your roof is already overflowing and has no more room.

The long answer to the “Don’t Install Solar” proposition is pretty logical and set out thus; “Don’t install solar UNTIL you have done some or all of the following”:

Chart Your Bill:

If you do not already, why not? Chart your electricity usage for a minimum period of 12 months.

Real World Example:

One of the very first domestic solar installations we as Straton Solar did was for an old school engineer. When asked if he could provide consumption figures he disappeared for a minute and came back with a file full of graph paper charting his electricity and water consumption for every month and every property since 1974.

Check and set your geyser/s temperature:

The normal human body temperature is often stated as 36.5–37.5 °C. In adults a review of the literature has found a wider range of 33.2–38.2 °C for normal temperatures, depending on the gender and location measured.

So, it follows, that any temperature above 40 degrees centigrade is registered by the human body as hot.

For a family of four using a 150L–200L geyser, consumption typically ranges from 7kWh to 15kWh per day. Reducing the temperature to 50°C lowers the “standing loss” – the energy lost while the water just sits in the tank – which can account for up to 20%–30% of a geyser’s total energy use.

By doing so you can expect a 5% reduction in your electricity bill.

Health Risk (Legionella): Setting a geyser below 55°C–60°C is generally discouraged by health and engineering experts in South Africa to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria. If you choose 50°C, it is recommended to occasionally boost it to 60°C or ensure high water turnover to mitigate this risk.

Real World Example:

In October 2025 a Gqeberha based friend of mine was moaning about his electricity bill. I suggested to him that he reduce the temperatures of his three geysers. Just yesterday he thanked me for the advice which, so far, has saved him R500.00 a month.

Apex Solar Geyser System:

If you would prefer – control your geyser via an App, Connect 3 solar panels and enjoy up to 40% monthly savings on your electricity bill. Locally made and supported quality product. https://stratlec.co.za/shop/apex-sgs-solar-geyser-system-1-5kw-dc-3kw-ac/

Install LED Bulbs:

A typical LED bulb of 6W – 10W will consume 80% – 90% less electricity than it’s incandescent cousin.

Currently: As of May 2024, general service lamps must meet a minimum efficiency of 90 lumens per watt (lm/W).

Upcoming: Starting 23 May 2026, this requirement increases to 105 lm/W, effectively removing almost all non-LED options from the market.

You could also:

Use dimmable LEDs or motion-sensor-equipped bulbs to further reduce consumption by only using full power when necessary.

Maximize the use of natural sunlight during the day to avoid using any artificial lighting at all.

Appliances:

Look for appliances with an A-rating or higher on the South African Energy Efficiency Label when replacing old units.

“Phantom Power”:

Unplug non-essential items like phone chargers, microwaves, and TVs when not in use. Standby mode can account for up to 10% of your total electricity bill.

Cook Smart:

Use a microwave or air fryer instead of a conventional oven for smaller meals; they are significantly more efficient.

When using a stove, ensure pots completely cover the plates and keep lids on to retain heat.

Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle rather than filling it completely.

Laundry:

Wash clothes on a cold or 40°C cycle to save up to 30% of the electricity used for heating water.

Always wait for a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher.

Air-dry laundry on a line or drying rack instead of using a tumble dryer whenever possible.

Climate Control:

Ceiling Insulation: Properly insulating your ceiling can make your home up to 5°C warmer in winter and 10°C cooler in summer, reducing heating and cooling costs by nearly half.

Draft Proofing: Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping to prevent heat from escaping.

Temperature Settings: In summer, set your air conditioner to 23°C–25°C; every degree lower can significantly increase consumption.

More Electricity Saving Tips:

Straton Electrical has a comprehensive list of electricity saving tips here: https://straton.co.za/tips/

Images:

Apex Solar Geyser. Photo: Straton Solar

Links:

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.