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FAQs Thula Moya

Find out about all of our frequently asked questions when it comes to Renewable Energy in South Africa and Thula Moya. 

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Where is Thula Moya Energy located?

Thula Moya Energy’s offices are based on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal in Port Shepstone. Thula Moya Energy also has an office in Durban.

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Where does Thula Moya Energy operate?

Thula Moya Energy has installed solar energy systems across Southern Africa, from the greater KZN region, to the Western Cape and Mpumalanga, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania.

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What products does Thula Moya Energy supply?

Thula Moya Energy offers a wide range of solar panels, solar inverters, solar batteries, as well as an array of UPS systems to help keep their clients lights on during load shedding and power outages. Thula Moya Energy supplies and installs solar geysers and commercial hot water systems.

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What services does Thula Moya Energy provide?

Thula Moya Energy offers turnkey solar energy solutions for the residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial sectors. From off-grid solutions to grid backup solutions, hybrid solar energy solutions, grid-tie solutions and micro-grid solar energy solutions, Thula Moya Energy boasts a comprehensive energy portfolio.

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What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

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What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

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How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. Review EnergySage’s guide to reading your electricity bill to find out exactly what to look for.

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What is the difference between solar power and solar energy?

Solar power (kW) refers to the amount a solar PV system produces at any given time, while solar energy (kWh) refers to the amount of electricity a solar PV system produces in a given period of time.

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What is net metering?

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate.

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How does solar impact my property value?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

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How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it into usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.

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Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

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Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to R0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.

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What does off-grid living mean?

Living autonomously without relying on the utility grid for electricity.

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What does hybrid mean?

Semi-autonomous living. A hybrid between grid-tie and off-grid technology.

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Do solar panels work during load shedding?

Yes and no. If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, if you have a hybrid system, energy can be stored in batteries and used during periods of load shedding.

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How do I know if my roof is suitable for solar panels?

North facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar here in the Southern Hemisphere. Solar panels can be installed on nearly all types of roof systems.

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What size solar energy system should I purchase?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. The amount of roof space available can also determine the size of the system.

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Where does the Archimedes Windmill (AWM ) come from?

The AWM was originally developed in the Netherlands which has a long-standing reputation for obtaining energy via windmills.

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Where is it manufactured?

Currently, the AWM is manufactured in India.

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What areas in South Africa are best suited for the AWM?

The coastal areas of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This is because historical weather data has shown that the potential for wind energy is higher in these areas.

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How does the AWM differ from what is already on the market?

The biggest differentiator is the patented spiral shape which resembles a flower. This ensures that it emits very low noise levels (<42 dBA), meaning that it is almost totally silent. Additionally, the shape enables it to find the optimal wind direction and function even in turbulent wind and it is  bird and bat friendly.

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How do I order?

To order, email info@thulamoya.com or send us a message via the Contact Us page on our website.

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How do I become a distributor and/or an installer?

Please contact us on info@thulamoya.com

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What is wind energy?

Wind energy (or wind power) refers to the process by which wind turbines convert the movement of wind into electricity. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth’s surface, and rotation of the earth.

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What is kilowatt peak (kWp)?

This refers to the output power achieved by a solar module under set standard test conditions. This standardized test for panels across all manufacturers ensures that the values listed are capable of comparison. In South Africa, 1 kWp of solar paneling will generate approximately 1710 kilowatt hours per year.

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What is a kilowatt hour (kWh)?

This is a measure of energy and is used to define the amount of energy used over a one-hour period. It is conventionally the unit of power referred to on your electricity bill.

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How does using renewable energy help the environment?

Using solar and other forms of renewable energy, including wind energy,  reduces reliance on fossil fuels for energy production. This directly reduces CO2 emissions which contribute to global warming and severe weather conditions that  are severely impacting the planet. The average household can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 20% by installing a solar geyser.

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What is a smart inverter?

A smart inverter is a hybrid inverter, meaning that you can run your PV, grid, batteries and generator all from one inverter. You therefore do not need an extra inverter when you want to increase or expand your system.

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What is a solar panel battery pack?

A solar panel battery pack is a package that makes up the solar power storage in a solar system. The first items in the pack are the solar panels that help to collect sunlight energy and produce DC electricity. Secondly, it includes a battery system that enables the storage of the power that the panels and  produce. And finally, an inverter which converts the DC to AC that is usable in homes.

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