First Solar Carport & our President’s Comment
BMW launches first solar carport charging facility in South Africa
PLUS Comment from our VEVC President — see below.
Johannesburg, 21 May 2016
German automaker BMW has launched its first solar carport charging facility in the country. It now makes it possible for electric and plug-in hybrid models to charge completely using green energy.
German automaker BMW has launched its first solar carport charging facility in South Africa. It now makes it possible for electric and plug-in hybrid models to charge completely using green energy. It is all about harnessing the sun’s energy. A live readout shows how much power is being generated to charge the electric car.
“I think the solar revolution has started. We already see major supermarkets want charging infrastructure,” said BMW SA Managing Director Tim Abbott. “It will only be a question of time before they look at solar power as well. The payback on solar power has gone down from 12 years to 7 years. So I think it is inevitable that they will pick up this technology.
The automaker says with the amount of sunshine that the country receives this energy source should be explored.
Read more and see a video.
Comment:
By Manfred Wissemann
So many of you may have carports, presenting you with an ideal opportunity of installing a solar panel roof reducing your carbon foot print and earning extra income. I plan to cover my balcony as well and will then achieve energy self-sufficiency.
I’ve never felt better after installing my 26 solar panels in 48 hours plus 6 below. Reducing my monthly bills was the best investment I have ever made. Let your home equity work for you!
I believe in covering every square inch by one installation for the largest possible return. One trip by the installer, not three 0r four costing twice as much.
Consider moving all vents to the other side of the roof, covering your whole roof will not only be aesthetically pleasing but increases the area of electricity production and your roof will be shielded from the weather.
My house in the picture below showing a solar carport addition and a roof cover, a cover that can hardly be noticed.
“Carbon credit” is the name of the game. I took down a n old fence and planted 120 cedar tress. Threw out a noisy gas lawnmower, hedge trimmer, edge trimmer and pressure washer.
Now my “all-electric” appliances are powered by the sun via solar panels. Our sun has powered our planet for billions of years. :) Now your house and car can be powered by it as well at no extra cost to you over time.
The costs can be recouped as quickly as seven years with lower panel costs. Panels that now produce 8000 watts.
Yes, I do owe more money! But I do not care as the solar system will take care of my loan. Unlike many other things I used to throw my money at: gas cars, gas lawn movers, gas boats, … you get the idea. :) Now everything is the environment first and guess what? It pays back in a big way!
