© SunTank 2008
 
SWH industry

Current state of the SWH industry

  • Worldwide growth in the renewable energy sector – see the additional attached document
    “IEA SHC Solar Heat Worldwide_Ed_2007 (2).pdf”
  • South Africa has also experienced a rapid growth in these industries as can be seen from the high level of local media coverage afforded to environmental concerns
  • South African government in the form of CEF (Central Energy Fund) embarked on a pilot project earlier this year. This project aimed to increase the number of solar water heating systems installed in South African households by offering rebates up to R6 000. A strict application process was followed largely dependant on the household’s ability to prove residential ownership and intention to purchase the system for participating solar water heating suppliers.
  • The 500 available incentives were depleted even before the halfway mark of the intended 6 month period was reached. This sudden injection into the SWH industry did create a sudden increase in the number of installations that occurred but the long term effects of such incentives on the industry are debatable.
    CEF’s website and more the on the project: http://www.cef.org.za/content/view/60/38

  • CEF’s project 500 laid the groundwork for an industry SABS standard.
    Currently solar water heating systems in South Africa have no SABS standards to adhere to. This issue has allowed a large number of fraudulent operators to enter the market unrestricted thereby leaving consumers with very little recourse.

  • All participating SWH suppliers were requested to have their systems tested on certain endurance criteria, such as the ability to withstand freezing conditions and hail damage.
    The SABS is still in the process of finalizing the required compliance standards and will soon provide a rigorous testing platform to all solar water heating systems.

Technical aspects

  • The installed capacity of SWH systems are often measured by the total surface area of the solar collector. A household system in commonly comprised of 1-3 m2 of collector surface area and a total storage capacity of between 150 and 300 litres.
  • As with most technical installations, the installation of a solar water heating system is both labour intensive and requires some end-user training for the system to perform optimally.
  • The average installation time for a 200 Litre high pressure solar geyser is about 5 to 6 hours. Compared to the average time of 7 hours for a complete plumbing installation of an electrical geyser, including the sink, bath and basin connections.

Notes to editors

SunTank

SunTank is South Africa’s leading solar heating company with interests and partnerships throughout Southern Africa, East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. The company consists of 3 divisions covering manufacturing, marketing, distribution and installations of solar heating systems as well as construction and operation of clean energy plants.

Company Website
www.suntank.com

Enquiries
Marianne du Preez
Public Relations
Tel: (012) 362-3311
Fax (088 012) 362-0110
info@suntank.com