Solar power benefits for homeowners

With a looming energy crisis and pressure to make use of alternative energy sources many people are asking the question: How can I save energy while still saving costs? At Kayema, we know exactly how you can save energy; we help people do it all the time. We provide state-of-the-art solar power technology for homes that will not only save energy, but will also save money.

Cost saving benefits of solar power for the home

  • A standard electric geyser accounts for up to 50 per cent of an average household’s monthly energy bill. A solar geyser will not only save energy but significantly reduce your expenditure.
  • Electricity prices continue to soar and are predicted to increase over the next decade to bring them more in line with international pricing. This makes purchasing a solar heater that much more logical.
  • Solar water heating is currently the most cost effective way of reducing electricity expenses.
  • By reducing the costs of heating water, home solar power systems pay for themselves in a matter of years, and continue to save energy for years to come.
Electric geyser energy use and cost calculations
Operating Temperatures
60 degrees 70 degrees
Geyser size 150 L 150 L
Average hot water consumption/household/day 150 L 150 L
Average daily losses 0.01533 0.01533 kWh/l/day
Specific heat of water 0.00116 0.00116 kWh/l/degree C
Average water temp. 18.00 18.00
Thermostat setting 60.00 70.00
Energy required/day 9.61 11.35 kWh/day
Energy required/month 292.24 345.17 kWh/month
Cost of elec. R 0.85 R 0.85 /kWh
Ave. monthly water heating cost R 261.48 R 293.39 /month
Note: 95 per cent efficiency of element assumed

Core assumptions

Elec. geyser cost (incl. install) R7,000
Elec. geyser cost/month R261
SWH cost (incl. install+ Eskom incentive) R18,000
SWH elec. cost/month R89
Finance rate 25.0%
Financed over (years) 3
Discount rate 15%
Electricity increase rate  (1st 3 yrs) 45%
Electricity increase rate (4th yr onwards) 16%


Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Monthly cost of electricity (electric geyser only) 261 330 416 524 529

Total cost of ownership over twenty year period

Electric geyser only = R136,196, Solar geyser with electric backup = R67,318

Environmental benefits of solar power at home

  • Solar power decreases your carbon footprint.
  • A solar geyser and solar heater will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • All heat is derived from a renewable energy source.
  • Solar power for houses is completely pollution free.
  • South Africa’s sunny climate offers perfect conditions for a home solar power heating system.

Practical benefits of solar power

  • While you save energy you are assured of a constant supply of hot water even during power outages.
  • Solar geysers and heaters allow you to avoid costly and noisy generators.