We would hereby like to take some time to expand on the ESKOM DSM SWH Incentive Programme, commonly referred to as the “Eskom rebate”. www.eskomdsm.co.za
Retrofitting an existing geyser A large portion of our clients prefer to have their existing geysers converted to a solar geyser through port expansion techniques. This ultimately saves on the installation costs of a solar system in the order of R3000 to R7000 depending on the size of your geyser. As the rebate system is a “system specific” rebate it is not possible to use your existing geyser. Typically the existing geyser is supposed to be destroyed or removed from site by the plumber. Or certain systems just place another geyser inline with your existing geyser, be it on the roof or inside, and now you have more hot water than you needed in the first place, and the system is more expensive due to the cost of the additional geyser.
System vs. Component qualification SABS testing is performed on a per system basis so as to acquire the quality factor or Q. This is in turn used to calculate the rebate value that a given system qualifies for. The testing is not component specific which means that each part of the system does not get SABS approval on its own allowing it to be combined in other SABS systems. This essentially means that any changes made in the system makeup means that the rebate is no longer applicable unless that new system is also already tested as a whole. Even if all the components are used in other systems, or if they have foreign test certificates such as TUV or CE.
Client makes the rebate claim Originally the installer was responsible for claiming the rebate, but there was resistance to this as it was perceived that the installer is actually financing the client for the duration it takes for the claim to clear. So it has now changed to the client having to make, and wait for the claim., often after having paid for a more expensive system.
System costs Each system which is tested to qualify for the program costs a certain overhead which ultimately will be reclaimed from the clients over time. This has led to many of the rebated systems actually being more expensive than the non-rebated systems, even with the rebate taken into account.
When does it make sense? The intention of the programme is good and we firmly support any iniatives to encourage renewable energy. Unfortunately we have seen the actual effect it has had and we encourage all potential solar system buyers to not just take the first advice you get, but to study the product and the suppliers to make sure you are really getting what you paid for. This way we believe the market will adjust to actually meet the clients needs.
ITS do have systems that have been tested by SABS and have proved the superior efficiency of our systems. These systems will be available with Eskom subsidy shortly.
Feel free to send us an email if you have any comments, we look forward to hearing from you. admin@groen-energie.net
