.Transforming Energy Expenses with Micasa: A Case Study for solar PV and a water heating system on a smallholding in Limpopo:
On a small holding in the heart of Limpopo, Mr John Bufton, like many fellow South Africans found himself grappling with soaring electricity bills on top of dealing with the dreaded load-shedding crisis.
“I was on Eskom 3 phase Land rate 1,2,3 and for the 2 years prior to the Solar and Water PV installation my average monthly usage was 600kWh. In terms of cost this means an average cost of around R4800 per month,” says Mr Bufton.
With this adding up to a grand total of close to R60 000 per year and with impending rate hikes projected to escalate this amount even further, Mr Bufton began looking at ways to reduce the expense and find a sustainable solution. MICASA Energy Solutions in collaboration with PowerOptimal, SolarMD and RenewSys engaged with John in order to investigate the option of installing a Solar PV with Elon DC water heating solution, and what the impact would be.
“The annual Eskom rate hikes would mean Mr Bufton’s expense was projected to escalate even further, reaching R5,437 monthly or R65,244 yearly…,” says Wim Aucamp from MICASA Energy Solutions.
The Solution
A Solar PV and water heating system solution would be the game-changer that would revolutionise his energy consumption and financial outlook. Partnering with Micasa, John embarked on a journey towards energy independence and long-term savings.
“Thanks to our long-standing working relationships with various reputable suppliers we were able to put together the best, uniquely tailored system to suit Mr Bufton’s needs.”
The installation comprised two pivotal components:
Water Heating:
- Elon 100 supplied by Power Optimal, and
- 3 x 400 Watt solar panels from RenewSys
Solar PV system
- Goodwe 3.6 kW Hybrid inverter, and
- Solar MD 7.4 kWh Li-Ion Battery courtesy of Solar MD together with
- 8 x 400-Watt Panels from RenewSys.
The MICASA Energy Solutions team deftly and efficiently handled the installation, engineering, compliance, and BOS. The project was completed and the team proudly declared “all systems go” on the 1st of June 2022 with both the Solar PV and Water PV both functioning beautifully.
Following the activation of both systems Mr Bufton has witnessed a remarkable transformation in his energy consumption patterns.
His average daily usage plummeted to 1.87 kWh, translating to just 58 kWh per month or 696 kWh annually. With rural prepaid meter prices, his expenses dwindled to R457 monthly or R5,484 yearly. Thus, providing substantial relief compared to his previous bills. Even with the looming rate increase in April 2024, John’s anticipated expenses would only rise to R515 monthly or R6,187 yearly. A far cry from his former burdensome payments.
An added bonus is the invaluable relief from load-shedding. “The system works so well we didn’t even know that load-shedding was occurring!” says Mr Bufton
“This enabled both my small business and the house to function completely normally. With the Internet functioning 24/7 even though the cell phone towers went “dark” VOIP communications were not affected. “In an emergency this would be a life saver”, he added.
Tangible Benefits for clients
This case study exemplifies the tangible benefits clients, can reap from teaming up with MICASA and embracing solar PV and water heating solutions. By harnessing renewable energy sources, John not only slashed his monthly expenditures but also insulated himself from the volatility of utility rates. Thereby paving the way for a brighter, cost-effective future.
MICASA Energy Solutions together with companies like Power Optimal, RenewSys, Solar MD, play a pivotal role in empowering individuals like John. Giving the means to make informed decisions that benefit both their finances and the environment. As South Africa grapples with energy challenges and escalating costs, embracing renewable solutions isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.
Give the team at MICASA Energy Solutions team a call today to find out how you can transform your energy expenses.