Company Profile | ZenSolar

Get to know ZenSolar: Our past, present and future, and how we plan to stir up the solar industry

ZenSolar, a subsiduary of Zentyl Technologies (Pty) Ltd, ably led by Conan Campbell, the mind and driving force behind the vision.

Through networking and partnering with the leaders in the industry, sourcing reliable and workable hardware and software solutions ZenSolar provides 5-star advice, equipment, installations, and support to round off the offering.

Understanding that our clients need and want a shaped solution to address their particular problems, this is where our attention goes. Lateral thinking is sometimes required, integration with different products may be called for, but a tailored solution is always found – one that can be scaled as needed.

Renewable, Sustainable, Solar Power Matters

Today, more than any other time in our history, being independent from our power supplier Eskom, is prudent. This puts the consumer in control, without falling victim to all that is going on, through a reliable source of energy, that powers them up, or backs them up, or even sees that they are completely off the grid and independent.

ZenSolar understands these plights and is there to support the forward thinkers, those seeking business and power continuity, without disruptions.

Quality Assured

Only products of the highest quality are considered, and this includes backup and warranty agreements from our suppliers. Careful selection of the leading brands gives ZenSolar the confidence and credibility that can be passed on to its clients – total satisfaction.

Progressive in Sustainability

ZenSolar seeks to remain abreast of technology advancements, researching contemporary R & D done in the field and incorporating this into its own solution offering, thus providing clients with the latest and best available. Avoiding the ‘easy way out’ of providing what all other are providing, but to advise and allow the client to decide on what their system should consist of.

There are more costly solar solutions available, and it is our mission to inform our clients of these too. This then gives opportunity to our clients to invest in the exact system, all facts and figures on the table, and to then rest assured that what they have installed, is a perfect match for what they need.

Driven by a passion to serve our customers with the best service and products to get them power independance through renewable energy, so they can flourish & prosper in their lives.

What size of solar system will I need for my house? The average household requires about 20kWh per day which is serviced by a 5kWh solar system. However, from household to household needs differ, appliances and applications differ. So it is best to get a detailed assessment of your own home or offices energy consumption on a mean (an average over the year, with highs and lows factored in) in order to know with certainty what you will need.

How easy is it to scale a solar system? Solar systems are designed to be scaled. This really means that at design you factor this in by investing in the correct foundational equipment that you can then duplicate (inverter and panels) and more batteries should more backup power be needed.

Which is the best battery technology to use? The best battery currently is the supercap battery. THis is followed by the more broadly used Lithium Ion Battery and then the Gel battery, lastly the Lead Acid battery.

Solar System Installations – What it Takes

What it takes to install a solar energy system – the steps, requirements, the process, duration, legal requirements, testing, commissioning, safety and regulations

Transitioning to power from solar panels is an exciting step for homeowners. There are several steps in the process which ensure the homeowner gets a safe and reliable installation.

After meeting and discussing your requirements, both parties reach and agreement and an instalation date. ZenSolar takes care of all the legal and regulatory requirements regarding the installation and from there a date is scheduled.

The Site Evaluation

During the site evaluation the installer comes to your home to verify the planned system design. (For our process, if the scope of work has changed, the initial contract is void and amendments are made). The installer will check the roof and attic, the electrical setup, and battery placement (if applicable). In short, this is a pre-installation assurance check that all needed for a smooth install are indeed in place and anything that can hold up the install, or that needs to be put in place first gets done.

System Design Approval

At this point, results of the site evaluation have come back and any changes needed are now to be approved. If there were changes from the original design, the homeowner may now review those changes and give feedback, or approve the final design before it’s sent for permit approval. Not only the aesthetics of the design are checked, but also the electrical work and system production.

Permit Approval

Permit approval is necessary so everyone installing a solar system is in accordance with safety codes (fire, electrical, and structural). The installer will send permitting documents, such as the design approved in the previous stage, to the city to be approved. The fees associated with permits approvals are already factored into the system costs.

Installation

Installation usually takes one to two days (sometimes longer given the scope of work, or should an unseen snag occur) and is carried out by a select profesional crew of certified technicians. SANS standards are adhered to. Workmanship is of the highest standards and all equipment used is apt for the industry. All wiring, connectors, fuses, breakers, peripherals, and so forth are weatherproof and used for their durability and longest lifespan – they reach or exceed industry standards.

Safety on site is held in the highest regard as “best practices” codes and safety measures are strictly followed.

What all is installed?

The items being installed, for simplicity purposes, are categorized as The Big, The Small and The Labour Items.

The Big Items

• Panels
• Inverter
• Batteries (for backup power storage)

The Small Items (consumables)

• Solar Cable
• DC Combiner Box
• Fuse Disconnect
• Roof Mounting Kit
• Trunking

The Labour

• Installation
• DB wiring
• CoC Certificate
• Final City Inspection

Once the installation is complete, the city inspector comes out to make sure that everything has been done in alignment with the scope of work that was permitted.

Utility Connection

The final step is commissioning your solar system and ensuring it is operating exactly as designed and expected. It is for the utility company to approve the system for connection to their grid. The homeowner/installer applies for utility connection showing the contract and scope of work that has been installed. After getting approval or Permission to Operate (PTO), the homeowner may turn on their system and begin producing their own energy!

This several step process has been created to regulate the solar industry and keep individuals as well as utility companies safe. Installing solar is an exciting process that not only improves your own home and provides grid-independence but also contributes to creating a more sustainable environment.