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You Can Make a Difference To the Electricity Crisis In South Africa-The Solution is in your Hands Everywhere you look today the world is suffering. There are major problems with energy all over the globe, and the use of fossil fuels to run electricity plants is growing more than ever before, while the natural resources are dwindling almost as fast. With populations growing and the demand for energy increasing, many power plants simply can't keep up with it. Nowhere is this more true than in South Africa. Eskom, the nation's producer of electricity, simply can no longer keep up with the energy demands of the country. In the early 90’s, there was an abundance of energy and in an attempt to keep costs down, it mothballed three of it's coal power plants. Numerous warnings where issued back then by experts, saying that the infrastructure needed to be upgraded, maintained . There has been a great increase in economic growth within South Africa and many people are coming here for many different reasons. While this is great for people and businesses, and the economy of this country, now there is just not enough electricity to go around. There have been rolling blackouts and more and more residents and businesses are going without power for long periods of time. If something isn't done, then instead of the economy of the nation booming, things are going to start falling apart. Eskom has embarked on a massive infrastructure upgrade, but this will take a long time to be completed. There are many who blame Eskom for these problems and while this may be true, it isn't going to fix the problem. Even if this power company were to reopen these mothballed power stations, there would still be blackouts and there would be an even more demand on our world's dwindling resources. Instead of playing the blame game, there are many ways you can help with your own hands. This solution doesn't just apply to residential homes, but also to any one in business, or office settings as well. While South Africa may have a limited supply of coal powered electricity plants, there is something that this nation has an abundant supply of; sunlight. Instead of bellyaching about rolling blackouts, do something about it that is constructive, both to you, as well as then environment. How can you do this you may ask? Through the uses of home made solar electricity. Some may say how can this be done, but in reality, it is not only easy to do, but relatively cheap as well. There are companies that supply DIY kits for building your own solar panels and complete electrical systems right in your own backyard. These kits are easy to purchase right in South Africa, and come with easy to follow instructions that even the most inexperienced novice can put together. They have complete plans, diagrams, and videos available to walk you through every step of the way. Solar panels can be made with materials purchased at your local hardware store or home improvement outlet, and photovoltaic cells are very inexpensive. Why should you make and put together your own solar electrical systems? For one thing, they have a great ROI, or return on investment. With solar power systems in place, you see the savings right away, because your power bill can be greatly reduced, or even completely eliminated in the first month. You will no longer have to worry about rolling black outs, and even at night, with the use of storage batteries, you won't have to worry about being in the dark. Those of you who may work at home, and have suffered loss of time and money, won't have to worry about this any more. Businesses who have also been effected will now be able to continue their productivity, without worry. Now, the United States has required that if a person has one of these systems in place, and produce more electricity than a home or business can use, power companies have to buy this extra energy from them. You should check into this yourselves, as a way to not only earn an extra income, but to alleviate the stress already on your power company as well. In any case, you will no longer have to rely on them for your electrical needs, and maybe, one day, these power plants will learn there are better and more environmentally friendly ways to produce electricity. Eskom is already offering rebates if you produce solar energy. Using solar power is much better for our environment. Because it is energy from the sun, and not from petroleum, or nuclear fuel sources, it doesn't take away from our dwindling resources, and does not emit any noxious gases into our atmosphere. It is plentiful, and renewable, and can be stored for later use. It takes away from the demands on your local power companies, and sends them a clear message that their ways will not longer be tolerated. It is a clear wake up call for everyone. There are also more benefits of you using solar power systems for your home. Your neighbors are going to be naturally curious about what you are doing in your back yard. When you tell them that you are building your own solar energy power system, they may be skeptical. However, the first time that you have electricity when everybody else doesn't, that skepticism will turn to belief, and they will ask you how you did it. If your whole neighborhood turns to solar power, you can feel good that you did your part to save our planet, and your neighborhood will thank you. If you are curious, or even serious about changing your life, then this is the website to go to in order to get started. http://www.africanenergies.com/ This website contains the information you need to start on the road to self sufficiency. Jo.R from www.africanenergies.com
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