The recent promolgated price increases from Eskom are now a ‘Fait Accompli’ and we will have to live with them – or find a way to decrease our electricity consumption so that the increases do not burn a very large hole in our ever-increasing household expenditure. Fortunately, everyday sunshine, of which S.A. is blessed with more than its fair share, hasn’t been targeted for taxation (yet?!), so we can usefully employ this to bring down our electricty bills.
‘Solarising one’s home can be a very expensive business, particluarly when this is done retro-actively employing all those energy-inefficient appliances that we have accumulated over those profligate years! However, solar heating is now a definite ‘no brainer’ for anyone wishing to save money – you have to look at it seriously, as prices have come down whilst subsidies have gone up.
Bearing in mind that heating your household water represents between 30-50% of your entire electricity bill, it is a definite target area for cost cutting! The recent increases in Ekom subsidies have now helped bring down the cost of the overall installation by up to 50%, thus making solar heating one of the most effective, and cheapest ,ways to bring down your electricity account.
WHAT TYPE OF SYSTEM IS BEST?
There are various types of systems available (refer side menu) but PMP promotes the Evacuated Tube technology from Germany, which we feel has several distinct advantages over the flat panel systems:
- The system is less expensive than flat panel systems
- There is no water in the tubes, so breakages do not lead to leaks
- The tube is easier to heat, as the sun traverses the sky it picks up the sun’s rays more effectively.
- If a tube is broken by: stones, massive hailstones or.....bullets(!) you only lose 1 tube’s power against an entire panel with other systems.
- Replacement of a tube is quick and easy, and less expensive than a flat panel
- An independent solar panel powers the pump for all active systems
- It is aesthetically more pleasing to the eye on any roof
- It is easier and quicker to install for new, or retrofit, installations
Our information menu on the left of the page will give you more data for selecting the type of system you may prefer, as well as other useful data on the industry in general.
Feel free to contact us for more advice, or a quotation at :
+27 (0) 87 802 8479 or
+27 (0) 11 678 5101 or
+27 (0) 11 678 9184 or |
