City Residents advised to use solar water heaters in order to save electricity

By Ofentse Mokae
21 January 2010

Amid escalating electricity prices, city residents have been advised to install solar water heaters which could see them save up to 30% of the electricity usage.

The warn was made by City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, Alderman Clive Justus, saying this is because a traditional electrical geyser uses between 30% and 50% of all power consumed in the home.

Justus says it makes sound economic and environmental sense to replace the geyser with a solar water heater especially in South Africa which is blessed with strong sunlight all year round.

Justus also said residents could apply for subsidies from the city to pay for the installation which costs between R12 000 and R35 000.

“However, this system could produce savings of some R300 per month or about R3 600 per year, thus the capital cost could be paid off in a few years,” said Justus.

Justus says this could be even sooner if the price of electricity continues to spiral at the rates currently proposed by Eskom.

A solar heater is a collector panel through which water passes in order to be heated by the sun.

It feeds into an insulated geyser where the hot water is stored for use.

Solar panels should be placed on a North-facing roof for maximum exposure to sunlight.

Most systems include electrical backup for use during periods of high demand for hot water or minimal hours of sunlight.