Geysers, or hot water heaters, are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in a typical South African household. According to the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA), geysers can account for up to 50% of a household's electricity bill.
This high energy consumption is due to the fact that geysers require a significant amount of energy to heat water to the desired temperature. In many households, geysers are used multiple times a day, which can quickly add up to a significant amount of electricity usage. It therefore makes sense to start there when looking to optimize energy usage.
Solar Geysers
South Africa is a country blessed with an abundance of sunshine, making solar energy an ideal source of renewable energy. Solar geysers are an efficient and cost-effective way of heating water and can save households a significant amount of money on their electricity bills.
How do Solar Geysers work?
A solar geyser works by converting energy from the sun into heat, which is then used to warm up water. The solar geyser consists of a collector panel that is installed on the roof and a storage tank that is usually installed in the attic. The collector panel is made up of a series of tubes that are filled with a liquid that absorbs heat from the sun. As the liquid in the tubes gets heated up, it flows into the storage tank, warming up the water inside. The heated water can then be used for showering, washing, and other household purposes.
How much can you save with a Solar Geyser?
The amount of money you can save with a solar geyser depends on a number of factors, including the size of the system, the efficiency of the collector panel, and the amount of hot water that you use in your household. On average, a solar geyser can save a household between 3,000 kWh to 6,000 kWh per year. This translates to a saving of between R6,000 and R12,000 per year, based on current electricity prices in South Africa. The initial investment in a solar geyser may seem high, but it pays for itself over time and provides a significant return on investment.
Prominent Brands of Solar Geysers in South Africa
There are several brands of solar geysers available in South Africa, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most prominent brands include:
Kwikot Solar Geysers – Kwikot is a well-known South African brand that offers a range of solar geysers to suit different household sizes and budgets. Their geysers are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the harsh South African climate.
Solahart Solar Geysers – Solahart is an Australian brand that has been in operation for over 60 years. They offer a range of solar geysers that are designed to be energy-efficient and durable.
SunTank Solar Geysers – SunTank is a South African brand that specializes in solar geysers. They offer a range of geysers that are made with high-quality materials and are designed to be easy to install and maintain.
Eco Solar Geysers – Eco Solar is a South African brand that offers a range of solar geysers that are designed to be energy-efficient and cost-effective. Their geysers are made with high-quality materials and come with a long-term warranty.
Heat Tech Solar Geysers – Heat Tech is a South African brand that offers a range of solar geysers that are designed to be energy-efficient and durable. Their geysers are made with high-quality materials and come with a 5-year warranty.
Solar geysers and solar installation costs
Solar installers typically start by looking at your average monthly electricity bill. If you, for example, pay R3000.00 a month for electricity, they will use this as a starting point for your solar installation size. If your geyser makes up 30% of this cost , and you can install a solar geyser to cover 80% of your warm water needs, this will mean that you can reduce your monthly electricity bill by R720.00. This will significantly reduce your overall solar costs.
Conclusion
Solar geysers are an excellent investment for households in South Africa looking to cut down on their electricity costs. They are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and provide a significant return on investment over time. With several prominent brands available in South Africa, homeowners have a wide range of options to choose from when selecting a solar geyser. Whether you opt for a Kwikot, Solahart, SunTank, Eco Solar, or Heat Tech solar geyser, you can be assured of an efficient and reliable source of hot water that will help you save on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint. With the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, solar geysers are becoming more accessible and affordable, making them an ideal choice for households in South Africa.