Generate Your Own Power

The Hidden Problem With Legacy Eskom Meters and Solar Systems

Legacy Eskom meters were designed for electricity flowing in one direction only. Modern solar systems change that. When older electromechanical meters encounter export conditions, they can run backward — creating inaccurate billing histories that are nearly impossible to reconstruct. This is the problem that directly contributed to my Eskom billing dispute, and it affects thousands of South African solar owners right now.

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Eight Days Off-Grid: How the Transition Has Affected Us in the Short Term

The human side of eight days off-grid. The anger and confusion on day one. A battery that drained to zero overnight due to a wrong communications cable on installation. Waiting for the sun to fix a dark house. A monkey destroying the road transformer — neighbours without power for days, our lights staying on. And the moment I stopped needing to care about Eskom tariffs, billing disputes, or transformer repairs on our road. We do not need Eskom any more.

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How Solar PV Systems Work

Learn the inner workings of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including panels, inverters, batteries, and system design for homes and businesses.

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Solar PV System Safety Standards (SANS 10142)

<strong>SANS 10142-1</strong> is the <strong>mandatory electrical wiring code</strong> in South Africa. Every solar PV installation — grid-tied, hybrid, or off-grid — must comply to ensure <strong>safety, reliability, and insurance validity</strong>.

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Wiring and Electrical Safety for Solar Systems

Learn how to wire solar panels and inverters safely, follow electrical codes, and prevent hazards during installation.

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ProSolar RoofTrac review

USA-engineered <strong>RoofTrac classic rails</strong>. Universal fit for IBR & tile roofs. 2400 Pa wind load. <strong>25-year warranty</strong>. Timeless flush-mount design trusted for decades.

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Victron VE.Direct Cable 3m review

Genuine Dutch <strong>3m VE.Direct cable</strong>. RJ45 straight-through. Connects MPPT, BMV, SmartShunt to GX devices. <strong>5-year warranty</strong>. Plug-and-play monitoring.

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Trina Solar Vertex S+ TSM-NEG9R.28 450W review

450W N-type dual-glass half-cut panel with 22.5% efficiency. Ultra-low degradation. 25/30-year warranty.

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Suntech STPxxxS review

Founded in 2001, <strong>Suntech</strong> has over <strong>20 GW installed globally</strong>. The STPxxxS series powers warehouses and factories across SA with proven long-term performance.

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Unirac SM Rail Roof Mount review

USA-engineered <strong>SolarMount (SM) rails</strong>. Universal fit for IBR & tile roofs. 2400 Pa wind load. <strong>25-year warranty</strong>. Fastest flush-mount install in SA.

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