Page 13 - KZN Business Sense Nkosenhle Hlophe eBook 9.5

SOLAR ENERGY’S ROLE IN

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Isabeau Du Preez, as fossil fuels, release harmful of applications and reducing
Owner, Dolphin Coast emissions like carbon dioxide, manufacturing costs.
Solar Solutions which contribute to climate change Additionally, breakthroughs in
and air pollution. In contrast, solar
energy production is emission-free, energy storage solutions, such as
n an era reducing greenhouse gas emissions advanced batteries, enable excess
marked by and dependence on fossil fuels. energy generated during the day
Igrowing to be stored and used at night
environmental Moreover, solar installations or during cloudy periods. This
concerns and a can be integrated into various further enhances the reliability
pressing need environments, including urban and appeal of solar energy.
to transition areas, without causing significant
towards disruption or harm to the Grid Integration
sustainable energy sources, solar ecosystem. This adaptability Solar energy’s integration into
energy has emerged as a beacon underscores its compatibility with the existing power grid is a critical
of hope. Harnessing the power of sustainable development and component of its sustainability.
the sun, solar energy has proven ecological conservation. Excess energy generated by solar
to be a key player in reducing installations can be fed back
greenhouse gas emissions and Economic Advantages into the grid in the near future,
mitigating climate change. This Beyond its environmental reducing the burden on traditional
article delves into the world of benefits, solar energy offers a power sources during peak
solar energy and its pivotal role compelling economic case. The demand. This process, known as
in advancing sustainability and falling cost of solar panels and the net metering, not only benefits varies from country to country, Solar energy’s remarkable
environmental stewardship. availability of various financial individual solar users but also influenced by factors such as progress in recent years makes it a
incentives, like tax credits and contributes to the overall government policies, climate beacon of hope in the fight against
The Solar Revolution rebates, make solar installations stability and reliability of the conditions, and economic climate change and environmental
The sun, the ultimate fusion an increasingly viable option for electricity supply. capacity. Leading the way, degradation. As we work towards
reactor, shines down on our homeowners and businesses alike. countries like Germany, China, a more sustainable future, solar
planet every day, offering an These incentives can help offset Challenges and Considerations and the United States have energy stands as a powerful tool to
abundant source of clean and the initial investment in solar While solar energy has made implemented ambitious solar reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
renewable energy. Solar energy, technology and result in long-term remarkable strides, several energy targets and incentive create jobs, and contribute to
the conversion of sunlight into cost savings. challenges and considerations programmes to accelerate the economic growth.
electricity or heat, has been remain. Variability in sunlight transition to renewables.
harnessed for centuries, but recent Job Creation due to weather and time of day To harness the full potential
technological advancements The solar industry is also a source can limit the consistency of solar Innovative Projects of solar energy, addressing
have significantly enhanced its of job growth. The installation, power generation. To address Innovative solar projects challenges related to energy
efficiency and accessibility. maintenance, and manufacturing this, energy storage solutions and around the world exemplify storage and manufacturing
of solar panels have generated grid infrastructure improvements the potential of solar energy sustainability is crucial.
Solar panels, or photovoltaic employment opportunities are essential. Governments, industries, and
cells, are at the heart of this worldwide. As the demand for to drive sustainability. India’s individuals must continue
transformation. These panels, solar energy continues to rise, so Another challenge is the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, to invest in and support this
one of the largest solar parks
typically made from silicon, does the potential for job creation, environmental impact of solar globally, is poised to generate renewable energy source,
capture photons from sunlight and particularly in regions with panel manufacturing. While solar over 1,000 MW of clean ensuring that the path to a
generate direct current electricity. abundant sunlight. panels produce no emissions sustainable future remains
Inverters then convert this DC during their operation, the energy, significantly reducing illuminated by the power of
greenhouse gas emissions.
power into alternating current, Technological Advancements production process involves the the sun. As we harness this
making it suitable for household extraction of raw materials and the The Solar Impulse 2, a solar- abundant and clean resource,
and industrial use. The efficiency of solar panels has consumption of energy. Recycling powered aircraft, completed a we take a significant step
improved significantly over the programme and advancements historic journey around the toward a world where energy
Environmental Impact years, thanks to ongoing research in sustainable manufacturing world to demonstrate the is not only renewable but truly
and innovation. Thin-film solar
One of the most compelling cells, for example, offer a more practices are emerging to mitigate possibilities of solar aviation. sustainable. 
aspects of solar energy is its flexible and lightweight alternative these concerns. This initiative highlighted the
minimal environmental footprint. to traditional crystalline silicon potential of solar energy for C: +27 (0)73 615 5068
Traditional energy sources, such Global Adoption transportation and inspired E: info@dolphincoastsolarsolutions.co.za
panels, expanding the range
The adoption of solar energy further research in the field. W: www.dolphincoastsolarsolutions.co.za

DRIVING A SOLUTION TO LOAD SHEDDING

sabeau Du Preez, is the to help you to find a solution. involves educating her clients less than a year of operating,
owner and founder of And for me, it’s not just about about products, their warranties, as a startup company and a
IDolphin Coast Solar putting a system on your roof.” and the importance of choosing female owner.
Solutions. From humble the right solution – which
However, Isabeau’s
beginnings in Ballito, Isabeau Of note, Isabeau strives to may not be the cheapest. It’s accomplishments extend beyond
has recently expanded her educate her clients and is there about offering comprehensive, the business. She has built
business’s reach far north and to help them achieve their goals. sustainable energy solutions and
far south, even extending her In addition, Isabeau is inspired guiding her clients to make an invaluable relationships and
influence to Cape Town. to make a difference, not just informed choice. “Research, ask connections with her clients,
only in her community, but questions and educate. That’s which go beyond a typical
Speaking of her motivation to globally as well. She believes business-customer relationship.
start the company she says, “I that as solar energy is clean and what I do,” said Isabeau. She commented, “I literally see
started the company because I sustainable, its use can make a A noteworthy achievement for the business as my baby, and I
like to find solutions. “Obviously massive difference to our planet. Isabeau is that Dolphin Coast have grown with my business.
we’re all in the same position Solar Solutions has recently I’ve built connections with my
with load shedding. We all have The field of solar technology is been voted as Best of Ballito in clients and it’s a very rewarding
the same problems and I’m there complex, and Isabeau’s approach solar installations. This was in job to have. 

13