- About us
- YOUR solar
- Goodwe storage solutions
- BYD EV and EV Wallboxes
- BYD Batteries
- Registration and maintenance
- Contact Details
EAL |
W . P a g e l s S o l a r ( P t y ) L t d t/aw w w . g o – s o l a r . c o . z a your one-stop company for Sustainable energy systems and BYD Electric Vehicles |
Established 2013, we are owner-managed, Somerset West based and not affiliated to any franchise or rental company. |
PV Green Card accreditation |
Go-Solar is synonym with efficient, reliable and cutting edge solar installations and all the related building activities aimed at a greener and more independent lifestyle. Through our carefully sized systems we reduce grid dependency by generating free renewable energy for self-consumption at the lowest cost/kWh rate possible. Alternatively harvest your solar energy during the day for your night-time energy requirements
Our PV GREEN CARD accreditation ensures that all our PV solar systems are 100% compliant with the latest national regulations, are proficiently designed and installed and meet all the relevant safety standards
“Go Solar” is owner-managed by Werner Pagels who is personally involved with every project, from initial consultation through to commissioning the system. He has successfully completed his training as a Solar Power Technician through the DGS Solar School (Germany) and has passed his local SAPVIA solar technician PV Green Card assessment. We only use quality products. Our quality is uncompromising and will ensure 25+years of solar joy. Like our clients, we believe renewable energy is the way of the future. This is why everything we do is focused on sustainability.
Below are some of our milestones: |
|
2020 we were the awarded 2nd place in the AREP Solar Hybrid Installation of the Year 2019 competition which attracted entries from throughout South Africa and it’s neighboring countries.
2021 we successfully completed and passed our GoodWe Plus+ installer assessment, the highest global GoodWe installer accreditation.
2024 we will become the first independent field technician for Goodwe South Africa, with the aim to assist with on-site troubleshooting, configurations and maintenance for any third party GoodWe installation.
2022 we tested the G2 second generation Goodwe ES Hybrid inverter prior it’s official release to ensure it’s ready for the South African market. January 2023 saw the first units arrive and become available for installation. The G2 is proving to be a great success as it introduced a few unique features , setting new standards for solar hybrid inverters.
2024 will see the introduction of additional 8.0kVA, 10kVA and 12kVA ES-models
2023 we were presented with the “South Africa GoodWe installer of the year” award from GoodWe’s Country Manager, Mr Xiaopeng Tang.
As from 2024 we will be showcasing the new BYD ATTO 3 with it’s V2L (Vehicle to Load) function, where the EV can be used to power up to 3300W of AC equipment, ideal for back-up of essential loads at work, home or holiday home. No need for an expensive inverter and battery bank, simply plug in your EV for back-up power during load-shedding! Or use the function for a cup of coffee on any day tour… power whenever you need it, no matter where.
Book Your Drive with us, we’ll bring the vehicle to you, no need to visit a showroom!
Go green...Go solar | Boycott Load Shedding!
RENEWABLE ENERGY and YOUR SYSTEM DESIGN |
Bringing light into the dark… |
Every solar system should be individually sized. Designing a solar system is a little more complex than just fitting a few panels onto your roof and wiring these up to your DB board via an inverter. Every system is unique and should be custom designed in order to reach its peak performance. Furthermore, local and national regulations must be adhered to |
The South African consumer was hit with a 18% electricity tariff increase in 2023. Another 18% is expected for 2024
South Africa has one of the highest Solar irradiation levels (Sun’s Energy) in the world, producing high yields for a well designed Solar system and ensuring a lower cost per kWh generated when compared to Europe. Internationally PV system costs have been decreasing by 8% to 10% a year resulting in PV in South Africa having reached a power production cost of between 74c/kWh and R1.36/kWh, depending on the design and environmental influences of each specific installation.
In order to maximize the return on your capital outlay, a proper system design is essential. You cannot size a system by simply looking at a picture of a DB and roping in the help of Google maps. A site consultation and analysis of your load profile together with the existing infrastructure and general cabling is a must, failing which, someone will get hurt!
In light of the above we offer a free on-site consultation and evaluation. Please feel free to arrange for a meeting. Once all the vital information has been obtained the Design & Engineering of your photovoltaic system will follow. Since Solar PV has a 25 year life expectancy, getting it right in the beginning is key to your enjoyable journey with Solar. We will make it happen.
Go green...Go solar | Boycott Load Shedding!
GOODWE is a world-leading PV inverter and energy solutions manufacturer and is regarded as the global No.1 storage inverter supplier by Wood Mackenzie in 2020 |
The Goodwe hybrid inverter coupled with modular Lithium Ion batteries offers configurations of unlimited options. Whether only as a revenue saving solar installation, a PV with basic back-up or harvesting of solar energy for maximum self-consumption, Goodwe has all the options available. NRS approved and backed by a superb supply chain and service back-up, Goodwe together with our IBC solar panels and structures makes a super solar system With an existing database of happy customers, Go-Solar can only recommend Goodwe for a reliable home installation. A Goodwe inverter will offer a sound ststem foundation which can be expanded modular over years. Together with Lithium Ion batteries from BYD the system can grow into an impressive state of the art mini power station All projects are completed hands-on by owner-manager, Werner Pagels, from concept to completion. Small enough to give personal service, yet with enough experience to meet all your expectations, we will provide you with the right product, service and professional advice. Please consult with us well in advance and book us timeously in order to avoid delays. We exclusively do one job at a time, by ourselves.
|
Goodwe GW5048D-ES (1st generation) with BYD B-Box 2.56kWh (4x) batteries. One of our first Goodwe installations back in 2019
Our early years with Goodwe
Goodwe GW-EHB series, especially developed by GoodWe for South Africa (only available in South Africa). Available in 6.5kVA, 8.6kVA and 10kVA, using High Voltage battery (BYD) technology. Unique with 4 string inputs which allows for 4 individually sized solar arrays on 4 different orientations.
The first 3~phase hybrid inverter (GW-ET) released in South Africa. First generation were available with models up to 10kVA, using High Voltage technology. Units could be paralleled using the GoodWe SEC (smart energy controller).
New generation 3~phase hybrid ET with a max 30kVA inverter supporting 2 High Voltage battery banks which can be off different sizes and technologies. With 6 solar string inputs the roof-top solar can be over-sized with up to 45kWp, making this an ideal 3~phase off-grid solution.
Second generation ES inverters with different (BYD) battery technologies. GW-ES Inverters are currently available in 3.0kVA, 3.6kVA, 5.0kVA and 6.0kVA models. The unique through-pass on back-up allowing up to 10kW to be connected to essential loads. The inverter also allows solar to be oversized by 150% and will use all available solar power as it can simultaneously generate usable AC (DC-to-AC 6000W) and use any surplus solar to charge batteries DC-to-DC. Dry-contacts for automatic generator start-up when battery reaches a configured safety state of charge makes this a super single phase off-grid system
Go green...Go solar | Boycott Load Shedding!
Solar-powered EV charging for green and cost-efficient transportation |
+ B Y D a l l – e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e s
With the motor industry fast transitioning towards electrification we offer end-to-end solutions facilitating a high degree of energy autonomy. By extending the PV and energy storage system to include charging of electric vehicles (EV’s), a high degree of energy independence can be secured. Connecting the EV charger with any GoodWe inverter provides additional Hybrid Charging options via the GoodWe SEMS communication platform, allowing EV-owners to intelligently monitor and schedule their charging processes. The arrival of BYD all-electric vehicles in South Africa and our close ties with BYD for our renewable energy storage, has afforded us the opportunity to add the BYD ATTO 3 to our product list. Allow us the opportunity to demonstrate to you the versatility of this superb EV and how you can use the V2L (vehicle to load) function delivering back-up power (up to 3.300kW AC) at your home, office or holiday house without the need of an inverter and expensive batteries for back-up only! |
With wall-mounted and pole-mounted design as well as IP66 protection against all weather conditions, the GoodWe EV Charger is a great option whether you want to install it indoors or outdoors. Small, lightweight, and compact, the EV Charger can be installed and maintained in a hassle-free manner. |
GoodWe HCA Series AC Wallbox available in 7kW single phase, 11kW 3~phase or 22kW 3~phase.
GoodWe EV Charger has 3 different modes.
1. Fast charge mode
The EV Charger system will charge the electric vehicle at maximum power. if the stoage inverter using self cosummption mode then during the daytime, PV supports the home loads and EV charger at the same time, If PV is insufficient, the battery will discharge to the home loads and EV charger. If battery discharge power is not enough to support the EV and home loads,home system will buy power from grid.
2. PV Priority
The EV charger system will only utilize the remaining PV power to charge the EV. During the daytime, the PV system will prioritize supplying power to the home loads. Any excess power will be used to charge the electric vehicle.
When customer enable Ensure minimum charging power function , when PV surplus is lower 4.14kw(for 3 phase charger) or 1.38kw (for one phase charger), it will continue charging at 4.14 or 1.38kw,EV will get the power from battery or grid. When PV surplus is higher than minimum charging power, it will charge at PV surplus.
3. PV+Battery
The EV charger system will use PV power and battery to charge the electric vehicle. Normally, the EV system do not get the power from grid. But when customer enable Ensure minimum charging power function, when PV surplus is lower 4.14kw(for 3 phase charger) or 1.38kw (for one phase charger), it will continue charging at 4.14 or 1.38kw,EV will get the power from battery or grid
Meet the all-new BYD ATTO 3
BOOK YOUR DRIVE with us today. We have partnered with Mekor Motors Cape Town, the official Cape Town BYD dealership, to put you behind the wheel of your BYD ATTO 3 wherever you are, quicker, faster and at no extra cost.
No need to visit the show-room, we will come to you and give you an in-depth consultation and demonstration at home or at work. Together with our GoodWe inverter and Wallbox we will ensure that your EV journey starts off on the right foot, saving you money and the environment as well.
BYD has been making waves in the automotive industry with its high-quality and eco-friendly products that have helped to reduce carbon emissions worldwide, and its latest offering to South Africa is the BYD ATTO3 model. As a C-segment SUV constructed on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, BYD ATTO 3 exhibits exceptional performance in terms of intelligence, efficiency, safety, and aesthetics. Due to its superior aerodynamic design, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds and has a drag coefficient as low as 0.29Cd. Additionally, the vehicle can offer users a more convenient and comfortable urban commute thanks to its 420 km pure electric cruising range under WLTP conditions. From family trips to city commutes, BYD ATTO 3 will meet the diversified needs of South African customers in various driving scenarios.
BYD developed a Lithium Iron blade technology which is 100% safe, having passed the dreaded nail penetration test successfully. While undergoing nail penetration tests, the Blade Battery emitted neither smoke nor fire after being penetrated, and its surface temperature only reached 30 to 60°C. Under the same conditions, a ternary lithium battery exceeded 500°C and violently burned, and while a conventional lithium iron phosphate block battery did not openly emit flames or smoke, its surface temperature reached dangerous temperatures of 200 to 400°C.
The Blade Battery also passed other extreme test conditions, such as being crushed, bent, being heated in a furnace to 300°C and overcharged by 260%. None of these resulted in a fire or explosion.
This implies that EVs equipped with the Blade Battery would be far less susceptible to catching fire – even when they are severely damaged.
The e-Platform 3.0 integrates the ultra-safe blade batteries into the car body, increasing the rigidity of the vehicle and lowering the center of gravity. This results in shorter overhangs and a longer wheelbase,significantly expanding the passenger space.
The ATTO has the first electric power-train with motor, charge controller, Battery management, domain controllers and operating System (BYD OS) all in one unit. This facilitates higher levels of intelligent driving and a power consumption per 100km, 10% lower than that of the same class of models.
Did you know: TESLA, Mercedes Benz and Toyota use BYD Blade technology for some of their EV’s!
The ETTO 3 economy relates to a fuel consumption equal to as little as 3.8L/100km. It only takes 33 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80%. Even without solar, the cost/km charging the battery from a wall-plug (or faster charging wall-box) is roughly 1/3 of the cost of fossil fuel of an internal combustion motor of the same class.
Go green...Go solar | Boycott Load Shedding!
Solar Power Harvesting,
BYD, founded in 1995, is a high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. One of the world’s lagest manufacturers of rechargeable batteries, BYD received the recognition as “Top Brand PV Storage Europe 2023”. BYD is the first storage solution provider to receive this awards which highlights the best-in-class out of the eyes of installers and consumers on country and regional levels for Germany, Austria, Switzerland. Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Sweden! The survey interviewed more than 1600 installers across 10 European countries. At Go-Solar we are pleased to be able to accompany BYD on their journey and congratulate the whole team on the award!
BYD is the world’s leading producer of rechargeable batteries: NiMH batteries, Lithium-ion batteries and NCM batteries. BYD owns the complete supply chain layout from mineral battery cells to battery packs. These batteries have a wide variety of uses including consumer electronics, new energy vehicles and energy storage..
Relying on the advanced iron-phosphate battery technology, BYD can meet the requirements for energy storage, peak-load shifting and peak load/frequency regulation. By improving supporting facilities for renewable energy generation, promoting ancillary service for the power market, and aiding the transition to clean energy worldwide, BYD is building a clean and sustainable future.Locally BYD avails various batteries for renewable energy, suitable for off-grid living, back-up power and/or increased self-sufficiency.
Locally BYD has High- as well as low- voltage batteries available.
HIGH VOLTAGE batteries are available in stackable HVS and HVM modules. BYD’s backup power supply supports both independent load-carrying and parallel connection of multiple units. These are used in bigger single phase inverters and all 3~phase hybrid inverters.
One Battery-Box Premium HVM is composed of 3 to 8 HVM battery modules that are connected in series to achieve a usable capacity of 8.3 to 22.1 kWh. Additionally, direct parallel connection of up to 3 identical Battery-Box Premium HVM allows a maximum capacity of 66.2 kWh. Ability to scale by adding HVM modules or parallel HVM stacks later.
One Battery-Box Premium HVS is composed of 2 to 5 HVS battery modules that are connected in series to achieve a usable capacity of 5.1 to 12.8 kWh. Additionally, direct parallel connection of up to 3 identical Battery-Box Premium HVS allows a maximum capacity of 38.4 kWh. Ability to scale by adding HVS modules or parallel HVS stacks later.
LOW VOLTAGE batteries are available in 4.0kWh LVS and 5.0kWh Flex lite modules
The BYD Battery-Box Premium LVS is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack for use with an external inverter. A single Battery-Box Premium LVS contains between 1 to 6 battery modules stacked in parallel and can reach 4 to 24.0 kWh usable capacity in one tower: Connect up to 16 Battery-Box LVS 16.0 in parallel for a maximum size of 256 kWh. Ability to scale by adding LVS modules or parallel towers of 1 to 4 modules later.
The BYD Battery-Box LV Flex Lite is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack for use with an external inverter. The communication with the inverter is established through the Battery-Box Premium LV BMU (Battery Management Unit). Connect up to 64 LV Flex Lite Modules in parallel on one BMU to reach individual capacities between 5 and 320 kWh. Thanks to it’s 3U design, the LV Flex Lite can adapt to offthe-shelf racking systems. And with the possibility of stacking up to 4 units or installing them vertically, the LV Flex Lite provides a variety of options for bespoke housing designs.
Go green...Go solar | Boycott Load Shedding!
Registration and maintenance should not be ignored… |
|
Property owners must register their SSEG, it is not the responsibility and duty of the solar installer. Unless clearly outlined in your solar quotation, your electrician/installer is under no obligation to register your system! An electrical COC is not a registration! |
Even a simple inverter-battery back-up only system needs to be registered with the Municipality as soon as it is connected to your internal wiring (DB)! |
|
–
Registration:
Local and regional regulations often differ from area to area. All municipalities have their by-laws regarding the connection of solar.
City of Cape Town:
Since 1 October 2023, all new solar PV and/or battery system applications are being treated as grid-tied systems. These include all inverters which are connected to the City’s electricity grid either directly or through your property’s internal wiring, irrespective whether with- or without- solar!
This means that all systems must use City-approved inverter, have professional sign-off and be authorized before switching on. The process can take 3-6 months and involves a time-consuming and frustrating paper trail.
Go-Solar will conclude the registration for all their installations and we also offer to register 3rd party (DIY and other) installations. An admin fee of R7,200.00/installations will apply. This includes:
* Complete the application form/s for your type of installation (grid-tied, grid-tied hybrid, grid-tied battery and solar PV), including required line diagrams
* Obtain written clearance (where necessary) from other City departments;
* Inspect completed installation and conduct required tests. Issue Pr.Eng sign-off documentation.
* Submit the required application form/s and supporting documentation to the Customer Support (CS) office in your area. N.B.: Owner to issue/supply to us the the respective electrical COC, alternatively we will appoint our electrician at an extra cost of R800.00
* Complete the Supplemental Contract with the assistance of Service Connection Planning
* attend to metering changes as applicable (split pre-paid or AMI for feed-in) AMI meters will be quoted for by the city ad are payable to the city by the property-owner.
–
Maintenance:
Just like any motor vehicle, heat-pump, air-conditioning unit or other electrical and/or mechanical equipment, solar needs to be regularly maintained and can command attention from time-to-time.
Unfortunately maintenance is not included in the initial capital investment with any solar system installation and call-out fees will apply for general maintenance.
It is recommended to:
* Check electrical (DB) and solar wiring every 6 months, this would also be in line with your normal electrical maintenance and existing COC. A report outlining the various checks conducted will be submitted on completion, which you in return should forward to your insurance.
* Perform solar panel cleaning between two and four times per year, depending on tilt and orientation (ONLY special solar wash for cleaning and protection should be used). Professionally cleaned panels will increase your solar yield and increase your overall energy cost savings.
* Tighten bolts and screws and inspect your roof in general (as part of panel maintenance) to avoid leaking in case of cracked tiles or damaged waterproofing. Maybe your flashing can do with a coat of waterproofing paint too?
Furthermore there is often a need for a firmware update for your inverter and/or battery management unit and clients often require configurable parameters (depth of discharge, time of charge etc) to be adjusted.
Regulations and requirements (local government and insurance companies) also change and we can ensure that your system remains fully compliant.
With our maintenance plan options Our standard call-out fees are discounted and some may even be waived, depending on customer’s choices and needs. Various plan options are available and can be negotiated accordingly, depending on system size and location.
Contact us for a customized proposal.
–
Go green...Go solar | Boycott Load Shedding!
Physical Address: 1 Aberdeen,
Somerset West
Postal Address: 1 Aberdeeen
Somerset West
Postal Code: 7130
Telephone: +27(0)829010262
Mobile: +27(0)829010262
Fax: +27(0)866459197
Email: info@go-solar.co.za
Website: http://www.go-solar.co.za
Directions: ..
Latitude: -34.073422
Longitude: 18.837605