How does this rebate work?
You will receive the rebate directly into your bank account within 8 weeks after you have submitted complete and accurate claims forms, provided that the system and the supplier have been registered on the programme, and that the installation is done by an installer registered by the supplier. This relies on both you and the installer filling in the claim form 100% correctly and attaching the relevant documents requested.
How much does a typical system cost and how much is the rebate?
Costs can only be provided taking into account your specific hot water usage habits but an approximate cost can be given here. Installing a 200 liter solar water geyser costs approximately R15,000 with an average installation cost of between R2,000 and R6,000. The upfront cost of a solar water heater (including installation) is higher than electric or gas water heaters but the savings on your electricity bill will compensate for this over time. Once you have paid back your system, your hot water is for free! .
How much can it save in your typical electricity bill?
A geyser uses between 30 – 50% of the electricity used in a home. Typically taking overcast weather and usage patterns into account, 70% of this energy can be displaced by a solar system.
Given our current electricity shortage, how much can solar water heaters help reduce demand?
If 100,000 geysers were to be installed this would offset 300 MW worth of connected load. However if we take diversity and usage into account this equates to a 63 MW load that is actually removed during our peaks.
What is the typical payback period for a solar water heater?
With the current rebates in place paybacks are typically between 5 years or less, depending on geographical area, water consumption patterns, number of people in the household, type of system chosen and energy cost.
Where can I get registered as a supplier on the programme?
Anyone interested in becoming a supplier can contact Deloitte by email on eskomswhprojectatdeloitte.co.za.Questions on the solar water heating programme can be answered by our DSM Help Desk: Email: solarateskom.co.za Tel: (011) 800-4744 during office hours
How do I know which system to choose for my climate?
Areas that experience frost (such as Gauteng) should only make use of freeze resistant systems. We do not have severe winters in South Africa, but we do have frost and temperatures below 4oC, which can cause systems to burst and fail.
One of the tests that the SABS does is a freeze test to ascertain whether the systems can actually withstand low temperatures. Non-frost areas tend to be in a narrow band of the South African coast line. All inland areas are prone to frost so if you live inland, you should buy a system that is tested to withstand frost conditions. Furthermore, water in South Africa can be very corrosive, especially when the water is hot. If systems are not manufactured to withstand our water quality then the components do not last for the guarantee period. Critical parts that need to be suitable to our water quality are valves, copper pipes, and the lining of the storage vessel. Indirect systems can handle both frost and poor water quality.
Finally, South Africa has very high levels of radiation and therefore system performance can decrease. Just because a system has an overseas test report does not imply it is designed to handle the high temperatures it will be exposed to here. Systems that get too hot are potentially very dangerous and should be configured for our radiation levels.
