ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY & BEAT LOAD-SHEDDING

‘Load-shedding’ is a term that was first used in 2007 in South Africa to describe the break-in electricity that citizens experience in order to lessen the load on the power grid. The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) has published data that shows load-shedding has increased by 40% in 2022. We have also seen more frequent load-shedding stages for longer periods.

A surge in demand for solar energy seems to be the result of ongoing worries about the nation's electricity supply. According to property experts, switching to solar energy might benefit not only the environment and our nation but also the property's resale value.

According to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, “In South Africa, green features are becoming increasingly popular among buyers, especially as a result of the ongoing load shedding and the prevalence of droughts in our country.” Here are 7 ways you can be self-sufficient and add value to your property.

1. Install a system of battery-operated inverters

A modest inverter with two 12-volt deep cycle batteries might power a television, the internet, and a laptop for up to four hours. It’s important to note that you should never boil a kettle or add a heater to an inverter system though. The inverter size you choose depends on the power in watts (or current in amps) of the appliance or equipment you want to run (you can find the power consumption by referring to the specification plate on the items or in their manuals). If this information is not available, check with the appliance or equipment’s supplier.

2. Consider installing a petrol generator

Generators have different fuel types, builds, run times, and competitive prices while offering peace of mind that there is backup power. A standby generator, whether it runs on diesel, inverters, petrol, or otherwise, can provide emergency backup electricity during outages. Power for essentials like television, lighting, internet, a laptop, your fridge, and other appliances might be supplied using as little as 6.5kVA. Kettles, microwaves, and tiny heaters can be powered by generators, but it is preferable to keep them to a minimum.

3. Install rechargeable globes in your lights

This should guarantee that you always have lighting in case of a power outage. To keep your property lit for security purposes, add outdoor lighting, solar lights, or even battery-powered lights. A rechargeable LED bulb functions with the help of an internal battery, charging itself when switched on during the availability of a power supply. As soon as the electricity is disconnected, this bulb (backed with wide voltage) springs into action and brightens up the spaces.

4. Your security systems should have a backup battery

Power disruptions offer criminals the ideal cover. It is crucial to make sure that your security system, garage doors, and gate are all operational during a power outage. A backup battery is an essential component in every security system. A backup battery powers an alarm system for approximately eight hours. It’s very rare for security system owners to replace their batteries more frequently than every three years.

5. Start cooking with gas

The best time to switch to gas cooking is probably right now if you want to keep your regular mealtime schedule. If there is a power outage, you can still make your coffee in the morning using a stovetop kettle. Choosing the ideal stove for your home can be tricky and with the uncertainty of load-shedding in our country, cooking with gas may be an alternative. According to stove experts, gas stoves have become a popular choice as they are a clean and efficient way to cook.

6. Install a solar geyser

A solar-powered geyser can easily take the place of your current one. Solar systems are powered by sunlight, which is a resource that is abundant in South Africa. In this way, you can guarantee that there is always hot water, even during a prolonged power outage. You may cut your water heating costs by up to 90% with a solar geyser. It doesn't need a mains connection and considerably reduces your energy bill. Solar geysers continue to heat your water even on cloudy days using free and renewable energy.

7. Financing solar energy solutions

Ian Ross, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX One, has gained some key insights into the solar power industry. He explains that while solar power can be costly, it is likely to become a necessity in most households. “Systems can range from R50,000 to R500,000 depending on the home and how far the homeowner wants to go to be independent of the grid. The capital outlay is heavy, so if the consumer could pay this off over a period using the savings they make from not utilizing the national grid, it would make perfect sense in every way.” Thankfully, this option exists in the form of home finance. “The criteria may differ slightly from bank to bank but thankfully all major banks welcome the financing of both residential, commercial, and industrial solar power systems. Access bonds on homes are by far the cheapest and quickest way to go other than upfront cash outlay,” he recommends.

Looking to the future

In the end, minimizing dependency on the national grid can be advantageous for the homeowner, the environment, and possibly even increase the value of the home. If you are hoping to upgrade your home in order to sell it, speak to your local RE/MAX real estate team for advice on the best sustainable home improvements in your area.