WHY NEED SOLAR ENERGY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Cost of Energy on the rise in South Africa

The cost of electricity in South Africa is on the rise.Recently Eskom proposed a 16% increase for over a five year period which did not go well with environmental activists and the ordinary citizens.

The decision then made by the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) to give Eskom an average 8 percent increase in electricity tariffs for each of the next five years.

Nersa said the increase would allow Eskom R906.6 billion in additional revenue over the next five years and average electricity prices would rise to 65.51c a kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the 2013/14 financial year and 89.13c/kWh in 2018.

However,experts have said this kind of increase is still high for an ordinary citizen,as such the energy regulator should think of allowing other service providers of renewable energy to reduce eskom 's monopoly in the energy sector.

Years of under-investment in the country's power infrastructure has meant that energy demands are rising faster than Eskom, the state-owned company in charge of the majority of energy generation and distribution, can meet them.In fact, South Africa's energy demand is expected to be twice the current levels by 2030.

It is out of this background that South Africans should start thinking of investing a lot in renewable energy.Solar energy is presently the best means to reach most rural parts.

Benefits of solar energy

Solar energy is the experts’ favoured source of renewable energy and is recommended for residential and commercial purposes in South Africa and, indeed, the world.

 As one of the most abundant and readily available sources of alternative energy found globally, it has a number of advantages over energy supplied by fossil fuels; these include energy saving, cost saving and environmental benefits.

Advantages of solar water heating systems

Solar water heating systems usually consist of solar panels (solar collectors) and heat exchange fluid or a pump.

Because no fossil fuels are used in the process of generating and converting solar energy into electricity, solar water heaters generate clean energy, which naturally reduces CO2 emissions and your carbon footprint.

 In South Africa, where sunshine is abundant, it makes sense to use the renewable energy generated by the sun to save energy, reduce the country’s dependence on sources of non-renewable energy and minimise greenhouse gas emissions.Because sustainable energy limits the need for power it eases the demands placed on Eskom, the only mass producer of electricity in South Africa.In addition to saving energy costs, solar water heating systems are low maintenance, have been known to last as long as 27 years and serve as an important backup during power outages and load shedding. 

Eskom rebate

Another important advantage of solar water heaters is that Eskom grants a rebate on solar water heater installations. You need to ensure that you go with an approved supplier and service provider to qualify for the Eskom solar rebate.

There are two ways to collect the solar rebate: the supplier can claim the rebate and you only pay the discounted rate, this is only available to suppliers who have prior agreements with Eskom; or you can pay the full amount and claim the rebate from Eskom, which will be paid within approximately eight weeks.Among the energy cost saving the Eskom rebate entails, you can also rest assured that the solar geyser you purchase is of a high quality and will give you years of clean energy and good service.

Cost savings

There are two important questions people ask when thinking about making the change to a renewable energy source: how can I save energy and how much money do I save?The latter is often the most important consideration as systems that take advantage of renewable energy sources are notoriously expensive to install.

 Solar water heaters will save you up to 80 per cent of your water heating bill, which amounts to approximately 30 per cent of your total electricity bill.Furthermore, after the payback period, which is around four years (less if Eskom keeps hiking electricity prices) your water heating energy will be free. 

Add in the Eskom solar geyser rebates and you’ll see just how we can help you to save money and energy.

Environmental benefits

The most obvious environmental benefit of solar power is a decrease in your carbon footprint, not to mention a reduction in CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions. Using the sun as a natural alternative source of energy, an average family-size solar water heater will save in the region of 821kg of coal, 2.07 kilolitres of water and 1.6 tonnes of CO2 per year. 

You will be able to cut your CO2 emissions by up to 50 per cent, which will effectively reduce your carbon footprint by half and also helps South Africa lessen its carbon footprint.

Reducing your carbon footprint by using renewable energy is important, and so is your decreased dependence on the non-renewable sources of energy in South Africa.Backup power advantages

Electricity supply in South Africa remains an issue as demand continues to increase and the existing infrastructure battles to keep up.

 Solar water heaters and solar power systems serve as backup power during power outages and load shedding.Given all the advantages such as a reduced carbon footprint, a decrease in CO2 emissions and massive cost savings, moving to alternative energy, such as solar energy, is not only a moral decision, but also a logical one.