Page 41 - Waterfall_Issue 7_2022

PHOTO BY VIJE VIJENDRANATH ON UNSPLASH

Small UPS units, made exclusively to power internet If you want to take it one step further, consult an expert
connections, range in price from around R700 to to see which of your appliances can be converted to
R2 000, depending on their capacity. And they’re gas. Certain fridges and geysers, for example, can run on
available from most tech specialist retailers. gas. It might be worthwhile to take stock of everything
you need to power and consider a combination
3. Small-scale solar of gas and solar energy if you’re on a budget.
A solar-powered geyser is a great start. Getting one
installed will probably cost you between R15 000 and 5. Go camping
R20 000. But you don’t need to go quite so large to take Even if roughing it isn’t really for you, camping gear can
advantage of solar power. You can do it in smaller ways. be pretty helpful during power outages. Portable power
stations – like the Jackery Explorer 250, for example
Start with the outdoors. Solar lights that soak up the – carry enough power to charge your smartphone,
sun in your garden are affordable and readily available tablet, computer and small appliances. And there’s no
at garden centres and DIY retailers. You can also use a installation of any kind needed because all the power
touch of solar power to keep your TV, computer, cell points you need are on board. You can pick one up at
phone and a light or two on using a small UPS. a camping store for between R6 000 and R7 000.

These vary in size and cost. For a small, solar-powered 84W/h LED lanterns, also available at most reputable camping
kit from Ellies (found on loot.co.za), you’re in for around shops, are excellent light sources powered by lithium
R1 300. This type of unit is good enough for light but won’t batteries. Certain brands also come with built-in USB
power major appliances. Around R700 - R800 more will get ports, which are handy for charging your cell phone. And
you a similar unit with enough juice to charge your laptop. most LED lights are easy to charge via USB or (in some
cases) they come with optional solar attachments.
For around R3 000 (Takealot), you can get a TG 1500
W sine wave inverter, which can be charged via mains Let the light shine
or solar panels and will power bigger appliances. Other than our load-shedding-driven discontent, we
South Africans are also known for our resilience and
4. Got gas? resourcefulness. With those attributes driving us to
Gas appliances are relatively affordable and come in many find simple solutions to complicated problems, we
shapes and sizes. You can pick up a two-plate gas burner can equip ourselves to set aside the annoyance and
stove for under R400 at most major retailers for basic cooking take back the power (no, that’s not a metaphor)!
purposes. Gas lighting is also affordable and easy to set up.
You’ll find loads of options online or in camping shops. It’s the little things that count.

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