New data from a survey of more than 2 000 businesses and home owners shows that the strongest force behind solar adoption is no longer load shedding but the need to curb rising electricity costs.
The survey was conducted by Jaltech and the findings were presented during a webinar hosted by Jaltech Partner Jonty Sacks on November 25. Sacks said Eskoms next tariff increase is expected to range between 10 and 15, following the National Energy Regulator of South Africas announcement of a material error in its tariff calculations . With grid costs rising faster than expected, the survey indicates that 79 of businesses with solar are already experiencing bill reductions and 97 of all solar users report satisfaction with their systems.
If Eskom was to raise fixed charges significantly, it could negate solar savings, Sacks warned although he believes this scenario is unlikely, noting the risk of legal disputes and further customer defection from the grid.
