Eskom’s recent proposal for a staggering electricity price increase of over 40% has most South Africans worried about the potential for yet another blow to their already stretched household budgets. Whether or not the massive increase is approved, one thing is certain: electricity costs are set to continue spiralling upwards in the coming years.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this challenge. According to Dean Harvey, Executive: Beyond Banking at Nedbank, switching to solar power offers a practical alternative to reliance on expensive Eskom power, allowing homeowners to slash their monthly bills and protect themselves against future price shocks.
‘The proposed Eskom increase means that electricity costs will again rise much faster than most incomes,’ Harvey says, ‘which is why it just makes sense for homeowners to turn to solar power to lower their immediate electricity bills and lock in long-term savings. At Avo Solar, we provide affordable solar solutions designed to put cash back into customers’ pockets. For example, our OmniVolt Silver package can deliver savings of up to R162 000 over 10 years, or R16 200 per year.’
Harvey emphasises that South Africans shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the recent pause in load-shedding, which has understandably created a sense of relief after years of power disruptions. ‘The fact that the underlying issues with our national grid remain largely unresolved means there is no guarantee that load-shedding won’t return,’ he explains. ‘Apart from that, the new energy crisis in our country is the steeply rising electricity costs, which are going to be a reality for the foreseeable future. So, it’s clear that now is the time to invest in alternative energy solutions like solar power.’
Harvey highlights that households that invest in solar installations stand to see significant reductions in their electricity bills. Over time, these savings should more than offset the cost of installation – especially given Avo Solar’s competitive prices. Avo Solar’s OmniVolt Green Plus package, for instance, offers customers a solar power and battery solution, with monthly repayments starting at just R990 and no upfront costs for up to 60 days. This package, which is currently the most affordable of its kind in South Africa, includes a 10-year warranty and expert installation, ensuring that homeowners not only save on their electricity bills, but also enjoy peace of mind knowing they have backup power if there are outages in the future.
‘We’ve designed our packages to suit different budgets and energy needs,’ Harvey explains. ‘With products like the OmniVolt Silver, homeowners can take control of their electricity usage and reduce their monthly costs, even as Eskom’s prices continue to rise.’
Harvey points out that, while the primary motivation for switching to solar is long-term electricity savings, there are many other advantages that make solar a highly attractive investment. Solar power systems can increase the value of your property, as homes with solar installations are often more desirable to buyers who appreciate the long-term financial benefits and sustainability. Solar energy also contributes to environmental protection by reducing the demand for fossil fuels, which decreases carbon emissions and conserves water – a critical resource in South Africa. What’s more, by investing in solar, homeowners are supporting local economic growth, as the solar industry continues to generate jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
In addition to solar panels, Avo Solar now also offers a range of other innovative solutions such as wind turbines and integrated heat pump (IHP) water heaters, which can be installed as stand-alone alternative energy solutions, or combined with a solar system to optimise your generation capacity in all types of weather and maximise your electricity savings.
‘As electricity costs continue to climb, taking control of your energy future is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,’ Harvey says. ‘With Avo Solar’s affordable and flexible solutions, you can start saving on your electricity bills immediately and enjoy peace of mind for years to come.’
To learn more about how solar power and other forms of alternative energy can benefit your home and your pocket, visit Avo Solar at https://solar.avo.africa/.
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