Households that invest in solar water heating can get a subsidy of up to 40% from Eskom on equipment.

GEORGE BUSINESS NEWS – A new report released by the department of energy warns that power failures are once again on the agenda unless drastic measures are implemented.
What exactly these measures entail, remains unclear.
But by being pro-active, you can ensure that your own household is at least always assured of the comfort of hot water.
Only a few years ago you really had to search for a company to install a solar water heating system, but today prospective clients can pick and choose between 500 suppliers countrywide.

Get the right supplier
But, has this made it any easier? In quantity maybe, but pick your supplier very carefully.
The key to a system that will suit your household needs perfectly, lies in determining your exact needs. The system should provide in your hot water needs, save you money and minimise your carbon footprint. As electricity prices escalate, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approved the introduction of preferential rates for those who invest in solutions for reduced energy consumption.

Households that invest in solar water heating can get a subsidy of up to 40% from Eskom on equipment, and will also be able to reduce energy costs through the preferential rate on offer.
The residential inclining block tariff has four different rates with lower consumption blocks offering lower rates.
But regardless of these special tariffs to Eskom clients, a solar heating system will save everybody 70% of their monthly water heating bill.
That is, if you have the right system.

How to get the rebate
Vincent Davis, technical director of Green Power Solar Systems says many myths surround the issue of Eskom rebates. “Countrywide about 5500 households have received rebates after installing solar heating systems. It was implemented about two years ago to reduce the residential load. It needs to come down by about 10%. In 15 years’ time we will need double our current capacity.”

But the energy provider’s long-term inability to cater for our needs is not the only reason not to delay installing a solar system.
The Eskom subsidy is expected to decrease over the next four years and a 40% saving is not to be sneered at.
However, Davis says Eskom is very strict and will only pay out the subsidy if you abide by its rules.

“The size of the rebate depends on the performance of the system ie how much units you save Eskom, the system that you install, and then it must also be supplied and installed by an Eskom accredited supplier. The system must also be SABS approved.” A list of approved suppliers can be found at www.eskomdsm.co.za.

Davis says people should also look at the guarantee and warranty and whether it is SABS approved or just SABS tested. “This could make a huge difference as the SABS mark of approval means that the whole manufacturing process has been inspected and ensures quality of product.”

Go green
A 150-litre heating system will spare the atmosphere 1,6 tons of CO² per year – the burning of 820kg coal.
New legislation will force all new homes of 300m² or more to fit solar geysers and other ener-gy saving products.
And the green benefit will also have a ‘green buck’ spin-off.
The resale value of green pro-perties shows a dramatic increase as people are increa-singly in tune with eco friendly investments. According to Davis, Green Power is into solutions, not the selling of products.
“Every home and family pose unique challenges and to get the most out of your solar heating system in all respects, all factors should be considered and brought together to ensure the perfect solution for you.”

ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD George Herald