The Cost Saving Benefits

• A standard electric geyser accounts for up to 50% of an average household’s monthly energy bill.

• Electricity prices continue to soar and are predicted to increase over the next decade to bring them more in line with international pricing.

• Solar water heating is currently the most cost effective way of reducing electricity costs.

• By reducing the costs of heating water, these systems pay for themselves in a matter of years, and    continue to provide savings for years to come.

Electric Geyser Energy Use and Cost Calculations
Operating Temperatures
60 degrees 70 degrees
Geyser size 150 Ltr 150 Ltr
Average hot water consumption/houshold/day 150 Ltr 150 Ltr
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% 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

The Environmental Benefits

• Decreases your carbon footprint.

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

• All heat is derived from a renewable energy source.

• Completely pollution free.

• South Africa’s sunny climate offers the perfect conditions for a solar water heating system.

The Practical Benefits

• Ensures a constant supply of hot water even during power outages.

• Avoids costly and noisy generators.