Frequently Asked Questions.

Solar FAQs:

    • The size of your solar system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. The load (electrical appliances) you want to back up will also determine the size of the system. To back up a basic load like; TV, Wi-Fi router, decoder, lights, one fridge, laptop and phone charger, you will need a 3kva system. The more you add to the load, the bigger the system.

    • Financial Benefit - When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills, protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future and cover yourself from load-shedding. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

    • Add on property value - Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

    • The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

    • When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.

    • Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to R0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.

    • Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.

    • There are three solar financing options: you can purchase your system in cash, buy your system in layby terms, or rent to buy.

    • In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.

    • Yes we do

    • Solar panels will perform efficiently on a flat roof, provided they are mounted securely and installed at the optimal angle.

    • The optimum angle for a solar panel’s performance in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, would depend on latitude and other local factors

    • Installing solar panels, an inverter, and a battery can be done within one to three days.

Security Systems FAQs:

  • Most security systems include a central control panel, door and window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, alarms, and yard signs. When these tools work together, a home or business security system works in a few ways to deter crime and capture evidence.

    A home or business security system will sound the alarm when any sensor is tripped. If it’s hooked up to a security monitoring company, it will trip the alarm for them, and they can contact the authorities. Most security systems will also alert the owner on their mobile device when a sensor is tripped.

    Along with sounding the alarm, a security system helps deter crime with yard signs and window decals. If a criminal knows a security system, they will likely move on, especially with residential properties.

    Sensors are commonly put on doors and windows. Motion sensors can be used to cover windows and other areas of the property. Surveillance cameras are used to monitor activity and can also be activated based on sensing motion.

  • While you might look at crime rates to decide if a home security system is worth it, it only takes one criminal wanting to break into your home to cause problems. Break-ins are very common throughout the world, and most invasions will happen through the front door, back door, or a window on the ground floor.

    The cost of a home security system can be very budget-friendly, and you can protect the main entry points of your home. Of course, a more sophisticated system is possible, too. Either way, home security systems are well worth the cost to protect your family and your home.

  • The best way to install a CCTV security system is to hire a professional with knowledge of this system. You need to know how to install the cameras, along with the DVR/NVR, along with potentially installing a monitor, power supply, and other equipment. It can be a rather complicated process if you’re not familiar with installing CCTV security systems.

  • When you decide you want to add a camera to your home security system, here are a few things to look for in your home security camera system.

    • Motion sensing

    • Two-way audio – common with front-door or doorbell cameras

    • Field of view

    • Video/picture quality – 720p minimum, but better to have 1080p

    • The power sources

    • The low-light ability or infrared mode

    • Video storage on the cloud or local

    These features are things you will want to consider, and getting a professional to assess your home security system need will help.

  • The best way to implement access control is with the right features for your company. Letting a security professional assess your need will help you figure out if you need access control with face recognition or with another type of control.

    It’s best to have your system installed by a professional, and you should know how to use it properly.

  • An access control system will control the door at the front of your business or the front of a restricted area. It will run with a keycard, pin code, or another type of access code. Some access control systems will use fingerprints or even face recognition for access.

    When someone arrives, they can only get in with a keycard, pin, or another type of access code. Without it, they will have to be granted access by someone already within the building or restricted area.

    An access control system can be set up to ensure strangers cannot get into your business. It can also be set up to give certain employees access to restricted areas and keep others out.

  • There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all security system for your business. You need a custom solution to fit your specific business security needs. The best security system is the one that fits your business budget and needs.

    Whether you need a sophisticated business security system with a CCTV system, access control, and more, or you need a basic system, the right system for your business is the one that fits your needs and budget. It’s best to have a security professional provide a free consultation to assess your security needs.

  • Yes. As a small business owner, you must protect your customers and your employees. Of course, you should also protect your business since it’s your livelihood and supports your family.

  • There are several things to look for when buying a CCTV system. Your needs will likely be unique, and what you look for might be different than someone else. Some of the things to consider include:

    • Your specific security requirements

    • Image/video quality of the cameras within your system

    • Audio and motion sensor technology

    • Weather/waterproof housing for outdoor cameras specifically

    • Video storage or DVR

    • Compatibility with the rest of your security system

    These basic things should always be considered when buying a CCTV system. There are several types of cameras to consider, and you should look at the features of each to ensure you get the right cameras for your specific needs.

  • Whenever people think of home security systems, they will typically think of houses, but apartments are 85% more likely to be broken into than single-family houses. Therefore, you must consider installing a home security system. There are renter-friendly security systems that will provide you with an alarm system which will alert you and possibly the police if someone forcibly tries to enter your apartment.

    Some packages are available with motion sensor lights or security cameras; however, you must consult with your landlord before installing security cameras. Wireless security systems are the best security option for apartments and are the cheapest option, enabling you to keep costs down.

  • There are many indoor and outdoor security camera options that you can choose from, which have full colour, high resolution and full motion. Security cameras also include night vision, allow remote monitoring and can be controlled from a mobile device or desktop computer.

    Outdoor and indoor security cameras have different construction qualities as outdoor cameras can withstand harsher conditions. Some outdoor cameras are enhanced with fans and heaters to protect against the elements. Outdoor cameras should also be more durable as they are vulnerable to attempted disabling by criminals, and some homeowners choose to house their cameras in tamper-proof casings. When selecting the best security camera option for your home, you can choose from moving and fixed cameras.

  • Many people rely on security cameras to watch their children and pets. However, without suitable precautions, you might be the only one who can access the footage captured by the security cameras. Luckily, it is possible to keep hackers and snoops from accessing your live feed. Firstly, start with your WiFi, as it is the gateway to all your smart devices, including your security cameras. Get into the habit of changing your WiFi password and ensure that you use complex and lengthy passwords with unique characters. Use WPA-AES encryption on all your devices, and never use the default login info for your devices.

    Secondly, ensure that your security cameras have a strong digital lock and use original and complex passwords. Ensure that your security cameras have features like two-factor authentication and encryption, as they will make your live feed much safer.

    Though it may be challenging not always to check your camera, leaving the camera app open all day can make the video feed vulnerable to hackers. Therefore, whenever you view footage from your home, ensure that you log out when you are done.

    Lastly, you should regularly update your camera and apps as the updates include firmware improvements, which will boost security. Cyber threats constantly evolve, and you must have the right defences for your cameras and smartphones.