Eskom Solar Water Heating Rebate Programme

In early 2008, the wholly state-owned energy utility Eskom launched a programme to support the large-scale introduction of solar water heating. The programme is driven by the government’s target for renewable energy to contribute 10 000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of final energy consumption by 2013. The programme is funded by a tariff levied on consumer electricity bills by NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa). Eskom manages the programme through input from a broad range of stakeholders, including local industry, government, NERSA and the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME). Solar water heater purchasers receive a direct rebate, after submitting a claim for the rebate to Eskom’s auditors. The rebate amount depends on the type of system installed, and can range from approximately ZAR 1900 to about ZAR 4900. There are no specific requirements for the type of solar water heating system that qualifies for the rebate. Suppliers that sell the systems must be registered with the programme for their products to be eligible for rebates. They must be able to offer a 5 year guarantee, submit the necessary documents (including public liability and company details), and have the system tested and passed at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) for safety, mechanical and thermal standards.

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