Rebate system to drive KZN solar power

By Thandiwe Mthethwa

KwaZulu-Natal's reliance on solar power could increase significantly as Eskom expands its new rebate system to include major housing developments.

The province is the second-largest user of solar powered geysers in the country, and new developments comprising hundreds of new units will soon be fitted with energy saving solar units. It is a project made possible by Eskom's rebate system, which helps slash the price of solar units.

The solar water heaters are part of Eskom's energy saving plans to meet the requirements of electricity consumption in South Africa.

The water heating system is expected to spread to several developing residential areas. There have been at least 86 solar installations in KwaZulu-Natal and, with promises of a 70 percent saving in electricity, figures will increase soon, Eskom said.

The rebate amounts to about R4 500 per installation, helping consumers and developers install solar systems that can cost up to R35 000.

Normal geysers cost up to R10 000.

Eskom was aware that solar geysers cost three times more than the normal units, but hoped the higher demand for units would bring down prices by creating competition in the market, said Eskom consultant, Cedric Worthmann.

"We are trying to get banks and insurance companies on board in an effort to offer property buyers the solar water heaters instead of the usual geysers.

"All new housing units will have to have a solar system installed by 2009, according to the South African National Standards," he said.

The solar water heaters are installed by registered distributors and are subjected to efficiency tests that are done by the South African Bureau of Standards.

The system is also guaranteed for 15 years and consumers get a certificate which means they can return the system if they are not entirely satisfied with them.

The system also comes with a back-up in case there is no solar power and can keep water heated for four days.

"We have had a lot of interest from construction bodies and the system is creating awareness about saving electricity.

"Our target is to sell 925 000 solar water heaters by 2013," said Worthmann.

• This article was originally published on page 9 of The Daily News on October 28, 2008