How Can I Afford Solar In 2024?
With no end in sight to the electricity crisis in the country, many homeowners who want to install solar aren’t aware of the options that make getting solar an achievable goal in 2024.
30/01/2024
How to afford solar in 2024
No one is
a fan of loadshedding, but what it has done for
South Africa is help accelerate our transition
to cleaner energies, especially solar power.
“With no end in sight to the electricity crisis
in the country, many homeowners who want to
install solar aren’t aware of the options that
make getting solar an achievable goal in 2024,”
says Ross Mains-Sheard, Co-Founder and CEO of
Versofy SOLAR.
The size and capacity of
your solar installation depends on the size of
your house and your family, but even for the
most modest home, the capital outlay for the
panels, inverter and batteries can be
substantial, and not everyone is able to buy a
system outright.
“Versofy’s Solar-as-a-Service (SaaS) and rent-to-own packages put solar within the means of more households, and come with full service, insurance and maintenance plans, making the upkeep and technical support for your solar system hassle-free.”
Solar-as-a-Service is Versofy’s pure solar
system rental product where there is no
ownership of the system, and installation,
monitoring and support are included in the
monthly cost.
Versofy also offers a
rent-to-own option. “This is similar to a
cellphone contract where you get to keep the
handset at the end of the contract period, but
for solar power. You’re able to enjoy the
benefits of monthly financial savings, and later
owning the system after the contract is up. The
key here is the flexibility and options you have
- you can either upgrade and keep renting the
system, cancel the contract or even transfer it
to the new owners or tenants of your house if
you’re moving,” he says.
For both
Solar-as-a-Service and rent-to-buy options, the
sign-up process is the same, and customers will
undergo a credit check. “Before applying, there
are a few things that people can do to ensure
their applications go smoothly,” advises
Mains-Sheard.
Ensure a good credit score
Your credit score takes into account how often you apply for credit, including store cards, cell phone contracts, car financing and credit cards, and whether you’re making your repayments on time. Defaulting on monthly instalments may incur credit infringements against your name and disqualify you from accessing further credit. You can check your credit record at no cost through any registered credit bureau.
Calculate your affordability
Before applying, it’s a good idea to do your own affordability assessment. Solar system monthly repayments will closely mirror what you are already paying in electricity bills. By maintaining good power-saving habits, reducing your dependence on the grid and having backup battery power for use during the night and loadshedding, you could substantially reduce your electricity bill to balance out your solar payments.
The application process
The Versofy SOLAR
application process is quick, simple and
hassle-free. The online pre-approval process
takes place in just 30 seconds! After which
Versofy is uniquely able to move fast on
fulfilling your solar needs – the consultants
will contact you to schedule an obligation free
site-visit and put together a tailored solar
proposal.
“Providing everything is in
order with your pre-approval, we can schedule
our team to visit your home the very next day.
What’s more, is depending on the size of the
system you have selected, installation can take
a further two to three days. Once a customer has
chosen Versofy SOLAR, we make it our mission to
get them up and running as soon as possible,”
says Mains-Sheard.
Versofy SOLAR works
with only approved installers in addition to
having its own dedicated customer support team
to handle any queries and questions. “With
Solar-as-a-Service and rent-to-own, Versofy
SOLAR are responsible for its maintenance, so
you can be assured that we only supply the best
panels, inverters and batteries that make up the
entire collection, storage and generation of
solar power for your home,” he adds.
Versofy SOLAR is revolutionising the way South
Africans access solar energy, even amidst
challenging economic conditions and ongoing
power shortages. With a simple application
process, transparent requirements, and the
assurance of quality service and maintenance,
Versofy SOLAR is making the transition to solar
a seamless, hassle-free experience. “Embracing
solar power in 2024 is not only within financial
reach, it’s a step towards a more self-reliant
future,” says Mains-Sheard.