FAQs

A micro solar system is a small photovoltaic system consisting of two or four solar panels that are connected to an inverter. The main advantage of the micro solar system is that the solar power generated is fed directly into the home power grid via a plug socket. Your household appliances then automatically use the solar power first before using any electricity from the Eskom.

Yes, it is perfectly safe to plug your selfPV system right into a plug socket. There is no safety risk to you as the inverter will only start supplying current once the inverter has successfully synchronised with the electricity grid. Check your smart plug to see when solar power is flowing. There is also no risk of electrocution if it is unplugged as the inverter and the solar system will only provide power once it detects that it is plugged in and there is power from the grid.

No, as soon as you pull the plug out of the socket, the micro solar system switches off within 200ms. There is no danger of an electric shock. This is a technical requirement by NERSA for all inverters sold in South Africa and is codified in NRS 097-2-1. All supplied inverters adhere to this regulation and do not supply a voltage or current during load shedding or if they are unplugged. In contrast, the plug from a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer may have residual voltage for up to a second.

A micro solar system consists of two or more photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, an inverter that converts the electricity from the panels to standard 230V household electricity, the wiring from the inverter to the plug socket and a suitable socket into which the electricity is fed. Optionally, the electricity generated can be measured using a measuring device.

The cost of a micro solar system depends on the number of modules chosen and the type of roof/wall you have. Metal roofs such as IBR/corrugated steel are offer the most inexpensive mounting systems.

The electricity automatically flows to your household appliances. If you do not use all of the electricity yourself, the electricity simply flows to the nearest neighbour and is consumed there.

For a 1-2 person household without a swimming pool, we recommend two solar panels for a short amortisation period. If your household is larger or you would like to cover a larger proportion of your household electricity consumption with solar power (e.g. pool, 2nd geyser), then we recommend four solar panels.

Yes, even without direct sunlight, the micro solar system generates electricity. However, the amount of electricity is lower so you should make sure that the micro solar system can be illuminated as directly as possible by the sun's rays. Try to avoid installing it in a location where shadows from nearby trees or walls would cover the solar panels.

Because you have connected the solar panels to your home electrical wiring via a normal 3 pin plug, the solar power can simply flow through your existing power lines to the fridge or to your TV. The electricity also flows to where electricity is currently being consumed in your house automatically be it a geyser or the oven. It doesn't really matter to the power lines lines whether the power is drawn from the socket or fed into it.

During load shedding the selfPV solar system will not provide any power as per NRS 097-2-1 NERSA requirement. You can however use any 3rd party portable battery system or power bank to power your critical loads. You decide what to plug into it. It can be your lights, your TV and WiFi/fibre router, your laptop or even your fridge or washing machine.

With a system output of the inverter of up to 600W/2.6A (two large solar modules) or 1200W/5.2A there is no danger for the existing house electrical wiring and a check can be omitted. The micro solar systems from PV Direct comply with the respective limits, so that carefree operation is possible. Only if you live in a household with old screw-type fuses is it recommended to replace them with a modern distribution board first. If you still want to check your house electrical system we recommend that you inform your electrician to check the house electrical system according to to the latest COC requirements.

Yes, your roof is designed to absorb additional loads, such as from a person standing on it or the wight of water or debris during a storm. A selfPV Duo 600W system (2 panels) would put approx. 40kg of extra load on your roof over 4m2, spreading the load to 10kg/m2. A selPV Quad 1200W system (4 panels) would put approx. 80kg of extra load on your roof over 8m2, spreading the load to the same 10kg/m2.

The micro solar system can generally be mounted in places with direct sunlight. For example on the North, East or West facing roof as well as on vertical walls. Please make sure you select your correct roof type as each mounting system is for a specific roof or wall type and it cannot be used interchangeably.

Each solar system is designed for you to be able to install it by yourself. It is DIY friendly as long as you are comfortable with wiring a plug. No electrician required.

Currently we do not offer any installation services - the selfPV micro solar kits are for self installation only. Please refer to our installation manual on how to install a selfPV kit for your roof type.

Make sure to choose a sunny and dry day when installing your selfPV solar system. This way you can make sure that you enough time to complete the installation.

If you are comfortable with DIY and have a friend to help out you can finish installing the panels on your roof and wiring the plug within one hour.

For maximum amount of electricity generation orient the solar panels facing North. If you do not have a North facing roof orienting the solar panels either East, West or East and West (e.g. 2 panels facing easy, 2 panels facing West) will give you a more consistent power output throughout the day.

No, this is not recommended. Connecting several micro solar systems to one socket can overload your power line, which in the worst case can lead to a fire. We do not recommend to connect more than one selfPV Quad 1200W (4 panel) system to a specific wall socket.

Please note that you are required to take all precautions and that you take reasonable care when installing your selfPV system just like when you wire a plug or do any work around the house. PV Direct only supplies you with the selfPV solar kit and is not responsible for any damages you may cause through your installation actions to either property or person.

All the components of the mini solar system are designed to last at least 20 years. For example, we provide you with a 25-year warranty on the performance of the modules. We offer an overall 10-year warranty on all components.

Solar systems are generally considered to be very low-maintenance. We recommend an annual visual inspection to determine whether any screws etc. have come loose. If your modules are dirty, you can clean wash them off with a hosepipe and water.

We offer a ten-year warranty on all components of the the mini solar system (PV panels, inverter, mounting system, wiring, connectors). We even provide you with a 25-year performance warranty on the solar modules. You can find more information in our warranty statement.

The micro solar system also generates electricity in winter, although the amount of electricity is of course lower compared to the summer months. However, you can optimize your winter yield by setting up the mini solar system at a steeper angle to the sun. This counteracts a low position of the sun and thus increases yields.

We only accept payment via Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Zapper as well as Instant EFT. We do not accept cash.

A complete selfPV Duo or selfPV Quad micro solar system consisting of two solar panels or four panels is shipped from Johannesburg on a single pallet. You will be contacted by our shipping partner in advance to arrange availability on the delivery day. Deliveries are only made from Monday to Friday.

You or someone you nominate to sign for the delivery has to be at home for the delivery. Therefore, you will receive a tracking number and the the courier company will be in touch to make sure you are available. When ordering, please provide a phone number where you are reachable.

We strive to have your ordered system delivered at your address within 96 hours provided you place your order before 11:59. Any orders thereafter will arrive within 5 days for metro areas.

Solar modules are designed for a temperature window between - 40 and +85°C and are hail resistant. Frost, rain or moisture do not damage the solar module. In addition, the modules are also cold resistant, so that they can be operated all year round.

If you are unhappy with your selfPV solar system withing 100 days of purchase simply contact us via e-mail to schedule a collection. You will be refunded as per our Return Policy. Please note that we will only accept and process returns that are returned this way.

Yes, you can feed into your existing 3-pin plug socket with a supplied 3-pin plug. We recommend however that you plug the system in directly into the wall and do not use an extension cord.

It is a standard plug that fits into your outlet and is known as the SANS 164-1. You will surely recognize the plug on some of your household appliances. For example, your vacuum cleaner, fridge, microwave and computer are also equipped with it.

No, as soon as you pull the plug out of the socket, the micro solar system switches off within 200ms. There is no danger of an electric shock. This is a technical requirement by NERSA for all inverters sold in South Africa and is codified in NRS 097-2-1. All supplied inverters adhere to this regulation and do not supply a voltage or current during load shedding or if they are unplugged. In contrast, the plug from a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer may have residual voltage for up to a second.