Hi guys,
I've received a few PMs from forumites who know that I have a solar water heater and had some questions (particularly about the upcoming subsidy) for me, so I thought it'd be better just to share this knowledge in a dedicated thread. Here goes:
My solar heater was supplied by Solahart. I went with them because apparently they're the only SABS approved solar water heaters in SA. That's not to say they're the necessarily best, and it would be quite interesting if other existing or possible future solar water users could post their make and supplier in this thread.
I've been extremely happy with my heater - especially since it survived a massive hailstorm in JHB a few months back with no damage. I never have a problem with water not being hot either.
Finally, much of the info above was provided by Jim at Solahart, so it should be fairly accurate. Also, I have no professional affiliation with any solar water heating company.
I've received a few PMs from forumites who know that I have a solar water heater and had some questions (particularly about the upcoming subsidy) for me, so I thought it'd be better just to share this knowledge in a dedicated thread. Here goes:
- Don't confuse a solar water heater with a solar (photovoltaic) panel. Solar water heaters do NOT generate electricity, they literally heat water directly with the sun's energy and store it in a highly insulated tank.
- Many solar water heaters also include an electric element just like a conventional geyser and if there's insufficient solar heating going on, they switch to electric. Also, some come with gas heating as an optional extra.
- Solar water heaters are going to be subsidised by Eskom. The end user does not have to worry about having to deal with sorting out the subsidy themselves. Retailers will sell users the water heaters at the subsidised price and the retailer will claim this subsidy back from Eskom. Just as a side note, Eskom has contracted Deloitte to handle the subsidy process.
- The subsidy process has not yet come into effect. As of today (29-01-2008) I was told that there are still 3-4 weeks to go before it comes into effect. One of the main reasons for this is that the subsidised amount is being disputed by the industry. I was part of the pilot project, and during the pilot, end users received a R6000 rebate. Currently Eskom wants to offer between R3k and R5k, and the solar water industry in SA feels that this amount is too low.
- If you want information about the Eskom subsidy, I suggest you speak to solar water heating companies rather than to Eskom. The solar water companies are much smaller and more likely to help out individuals with information than a big juggernaut like Eskom is.
My solar heater was supplied by Solahart. I went with them because apparently they're the only SABS approved solar water heaters in SA. That's not to say they're the necessarily best, and it would be quite interesting if other existing or possible future solar water users could post their make and supplier in this thread.
I've been extremely happy with my heater - especially since it survived a massive hailstorm in JHB a few months back with no damage. I never have a problem with water not being hot either.
Finally, much of the info above was provided by Jim at Solahart, so it should be fairly accurate. Also, I have no professional affiliation with any solar water heating company.
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