Solar Geysers in South Africa
Once you invest in a solar geyser in South Africa, you’ll start to get that money back in the form of free energy. The typical home will see an average of at least a 50% reduction in water-heating electricity use. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of sun, you could see as much as a 90% decrease in your water-heating bill.
They heat up your water directly from the sun’s rays and are much more efficient than converting sunlight into energy that is then used to warm up your home’s water. Why take two steps to heat up your water when you can do it in one step?
And then there’s the reduction in pollution. A 50 percent reduction in traditional energy use, means a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. So installing a solar geyser in cape town would reduce your hot-water carbon footprint by half. At the same time, you’re conserving nonrenewable fuels for applications for which there are currently no easily available renewable energy sources.
What Are Solar Geysers in Cape Town?
A solar geyser is a type of water-heating system that utilizes energy from the sun to heat water. The basic components include a solar collector, which absorbs energy from the sun, and a storage tank, which stores the heated water. Solar geysers come in a variety of sizes and designs and can be used to provide hot water for a range of applications, from showers and baths to washing machines and dishwashers.
How Do Solar Geysers Work in South Africa?
Solar geysers work by absorbing energy from the sun and using it to heat water. The solar collector, which is typically mounted on the roof of a building, contains a series of tubes or pipes that are filled with a heat transfer fluid, such as water or antifreeze. As sunlight strikes the collector, the heat transfer fluid absorbs the energy and carries it down to the storage tank. The heated fluid then transfers its heat to the water in the storage tank, which is then ready for use.
Types of Solar Geysers in South Africa
- Flat plate collectors: These collectors are typically made from copper or aluminum and are designed to absorb as much sunlight as possible. They are a popular choice for residential applications.
- Evacuated tube collectors: These collectors consist of a series of vacuum-sealed glass tubes, which are designed to trap heat and provide more efficient heating in cooler climates.
- Direct circulation systems: These systems circulate water directly through the solar collector and into the storage tank, making them more efficient in warmer climates.
- Indirect circulation systems: These systems use a heat transfer fluid, such as antifreeze, to transfer heat from the collector to the storage tank, making them more suitable for colder climates.
Indirect System VS Direct System
Direct Systems – Direct solar geysers in Cape Town are a type of solar water heating system that circulates water directly through the solar collector and into the storage tank. These systems are typically more efficient in warmer climates, where there is less risk of freezing temperatures damaging the system.
In a direct circulation system, the water in the storage tank is heated directly by the sun and is ready for use whenever hot water is needed. Direct solar geysers are a popular choice for residential applications in South Africa, where they can help to significantly reduce energy bills and provide a reliable source of hot water for daily use.
- 150L Kwikot (Flat Plate Collector)
- 200L Kwikot (Flat Plate Collector)
- 300L Kwikot (Flat Plate Collector)
Indirect Systems – Indirect solar geysers in South Africa are a type of solar water heating system that uses a heat transfer fluid, typically a mixture of water and antifreeze, to transfer heat from the solar collector to the storage tank. The heat transfer fluid circulates through a heat exchanger in the storage tank, transferring its heat to the water that is used for household purposes.
This type of system is more suitable for colder climates, as the heat transfer fluid is less likely to freeze in low temperatures. Indirect solar geysers are a popular choice for residential and commercial applications in South Africa, where they can help significantly reduce energy bills and provide a reliable source of hot water. They are typically more expensive than direct solar geysers, but they offer greater efficiency and longer lifespan.
Solar Geyser Prices in South Africa
The price of a solar geyser in South Africa can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and capacity of the geyser, installation costs, and additional features like backup heating elements. On average, the cost of a solar geyser in South Africa ranges from R10,000 to R45,000. Below are prices from some of the most popular brands:
- Kwikot – R15,000 to R35,000 (150L – 300L)
- SolarHeart – R20,000 to R45,000 (150L – 300L)
- ITS Solar – R18,000 to R40,000 (150L – 300L)
- SolarTech – R12,000 to R30,000 (150L – 300L)
- Heat Tech – R15,000 to R30,000 (150L – 300L)
- Solahart – R20,000 to R45,000 (150L – 300L)
- Hi Temp – R18,000 to R38,000 (150L – 300L)
- Geyserwise – R12,000 to R28,000 (150L – 300L)
- Solsquare – R20,000 to R40,000 (150L – 300L)
- Low-Pressure Solar Geyser (Integrated) Systems – R10,000 to R20,000 (150L – 300L)
Please note that these prices are approximate and may change over time or based on different suppliers. It’s essential to research and compare prices from various suppliers to find the best deal for your specific needs. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs and potential government incentives or rebates that can help offset the overall cost of a solar geyser system.
The major parts include:
- Solar collectors (aka solar panels) to collect the sun’s energy
- Tank to collect the hot water
- Plumbing to connect the system to your home
- The style of the collector has a lot to do with your final price tag as well, but we’ll go more into this later.
You’ll see a difference between two main categories of solar water heater systems: passive and active. Not only do the solar geyser prices differ, but they also function best in different regions of the country.
What are the Benefits of Solar Geysers in Cape Town?
There are many benefits to using solar geysers in South Africa, including:
- Lower energy bills: By using free energy from the sun, they can significantly reduce your energy bills over time.
- Reduced environmental impact: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, meaning that it does not produce harmful emissions or contribute to climate change.
- Increased property value: Increase the value of your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
- Reliable performance: Require little maintenance and can provide hot water even during power outages or other disruptions to the electrical grid.
How Long Do Solar Geysers Last in South Africa?
The lifespan of a solar geyser in South Africa depends on various factors, such as the quality of the system, the installation process, and the maintenance practices. Generally, a well-installed and properly maintained geyser can last for up to 20 years or more.
However, some factors such as poor installation, lack of maintenance, and extreme weather conditions can significantly reduce the lifespan of a solar geyser. It’s important that its installed and maintained by a qualified technician to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Regular maintenance, including inspections and cleaning of the solar collector and storage tank, can also help to extend the lifespan.
How Long Does Water Stay Hot in a Solar Geyser?
The length of time that water stays hot in a solar geyser depends on several factors such as the size of the geyser, the capacity of the storage tank, the amount of sunlight available, and the ambient temperature. Generally, a well-designed and properly installed system can keep water hot for 12 – 24 hours or more, even on cloudy days.
The temperature of the water in the tank can be maintained for several hours, depending on the amount of heat stored and the insulation of the tank. In some cases, additional heating mechanisms such as an electric element or a gas backup may be added to ensure that hot water is available even during periods of low sunlight.
The performance of a solar geyser in Cape Town can also be affected by factors such as the orientation and tilt of the collector panels, the quality of the insulation, and the efficiency of the circulation system. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the system can also help to maximize its efficiency and extend the length of time that water stays hot.
How Long Does it Take for a Solar Geyser to Heat Up in Cape Town?
The time it takes for a solar geyser to heat up in South Africa depends on several factors. These factors include the size of the geyser, the amount of sunlight available, the time of day, and the time of year. In general, it will take a few hours to heat up.
One of the most important factors that affect how long it takes for a solar geyser in Cape Town to heat up is the amount of sunlight available. South Africa is known for its sunny weather, which makes it an ideal location. However, the amount of sunlight can vary depending on the time of day and the time of year.
- During winter, when the days are shorter and there is less sunlight, it will take longer to heat up.
- During summer, when there is more sunlight, it will heat up more quickly.
The size of the solar geyser can also affect the heating time. A larger geyser will take longer to heat up than a smaller one, as it will require more energy from the sun to heat up the water. Additionally, the time of day can also affect how long it takes to heat up. In general, it will heat up more quickly during the middle of the day, when the sun is at its highest point.
How Can I Increase the Efficiency of My Solar Geyser in South Africa?
If you have a solar geyser in Cape town and are looking to increase its efficiency, there are several things you can do to optimize its performance. Here are some tips:
- Install the solar collector in the right location: The solar collector should be installed in a location that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Ideally, it should face north and have a tilt angle of around 30 to 45 degrees.
- Insulate the storage tank: Insulating the storage tank can help to reduce heat loss and keep the water in the tank warm for longer periods. This can help to increase overall efficiency.
- Clean the solar collector regularly: The solar collector should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that it is free of debris and dirt that can reduce its efficiency. A dirty solar collector will absorb less sunlight, which can reduce the amount of energy available to heat up the water.
- Use a timer: Using a timer to control the pump that circulates the fluid from the solar collector to the storage tank can help to ensure that the water in the storage tank is heated up during the times of day when there is the most sunlight available.
- Choose the right size solar geyser: Choosing a tank that is the right size for your household can help to ensure that you have enough hot water when you need it. If it is too small may not be able to provide enough hot water, while one that is too large may waste energy by heating up more water than is necessary.
By following these tips, you can increase the efficiency of your solar geyser and enjoy the benefits of hot water that is heated up by the power of the sun.
Solar Geyser Installation in Cape Town
Solar West Coast installers cover a wide area across the West Coast of Cape Town. We can help you build a system that suits your needs and your budget. We build affordable, cost-effective residential and commercial systems.
Solar Geysers | Kwikot Kwiksol | Geyser Conversion Kit
Installation In The Following Areas:
Langebaan – Vredenburg – Saldanha – Hopefield – St Helena Bay – Velddrif – Jacobs Bay – Moorreesburg – Yzerfontein – Cape Town