Solar Power Reaches Popular Holiday Destinations
As South Africa’s rooftop solar capacity skyrocketed by *349% from March 2022 to June 2023, the country’s solar wave is now reaching popular holiday destinations as demand for integrating sustainable energy solutions into holiday homes grows.
22/11/2023
With the festive season around the corner, the
trend of solar-powered holiday destinations is
gaining momentum. “We’ve expanded our national
footprint throughout 2023 in tandem with demand
from coastal towns, such as our most adopted
area the Garden Route, and expanding into areas
in the Eastern Cape like St Francis Bay,
Jeffrey’s Bay and Kenton-on-sea; in
KwaZulu-Natal in areas like Ballito and Salt
Rock; as well as popular inland areas such as
Hazyview, White River and Hoedspruit,” says
Mains-Sheard.
Incorporating solar into
holiday homes is becoming an important
consideration for homeowners, especially in
light of the National Energy Regulator of South
Africa (NERSA) granting Eskom an 18.65% tariff
hike in 2023, and an upcoming 12.74% increase in
April 2024. “Solar energy offers a sustainable
and economical alternative for both
exclusive-use and rental holiday homes, ensuring
uninterrupted power for essential amenities.
Sites like Airbnb and Booking.com have added a
search filter for solar-powered properties which
shows this is something holiday makers factor
into their choice of a property to rent. And
unlike generators or UPS systems, solar
installations provide a quiet, fuel-free, and
hassle-free energy solution,” he says.
Mains-Sheard notes that homeowners are starting
to see the financial benefits of solar in
addition to the environmental ones.
“Solar-equipped properties are increasingly
sought after in the short-term rental market.
Guests are willing to pay a premium for the
assurance of reliable power, resulting in a
return on investment for homeowners.”
While the exact resale value of a property
depends on a number of factors, for those who
own their own holiday home, enhancing their
home’s sustainability credentials not only
reduces running costs but also increases its
market appeal. “When it becomes possible for
homeowners to sell excess solar power back to
the grid, there will be even more incentive to
power a home that isn’t occupied all year
round.”
Installing a solar system is
always a significant decision. Mains-Sheard says
it’s essential to choose a knowledgeable and
supportive solar provider who has an established
track record and expertise, from recommending
the right solar system and installation to
post-installation support. “For holiday
homeowners, maintenance concerns can be
daunting, especially when a property is not
always occupied. It’s important to choose a
provider who can assist in ensuring your solar
system functions flawlessly, regardless of your
presence.”
With a holiday home, having
flexibility around product and pricing can help
consumers reach a more considered decision.
“There are different options in this space,
including Solar-as-a-Service and Rent-to-own,
which cater to diverse financial situations and
preferences,” says Mains-Sheard.
Considering the expected increase in electricity
tariffs, Versofy SOLAR has introduced a year-end
promotional offer where customers can take
advantage of free solar installation before the
end of the year without the usual activation
fee, deferring their first payment until January
2024. “This initiative is part of our commitment
to helping South Africans embrace a lighter,
more sustainable lifestyle ahead of the holiday
season.”
Versofy SOLAR is at the
forefront of the renewable energy movement,
making a tangible impact on SA’s transition to a
greener future, one home at a time.