A substantial increase in the solar water heater rebates offered by Eskom, in
some cases up to 120%, is set to bring environment-friendly solar heated
geysers within the financial reach of thousands of South Africans wishing to
reduce their home energy costs.

The major advantages of the increased rebates are that solar systems now
become more affordable for consumers. The claim process still involves paying
for the full cost of the system upfront and then claiming the rebate back.
Consumers are guaranteed that once a complete rebate application has been
lodged, money will be deposited into their accounts within eight weeks of the
paperwork being received.

In addition, the payback period for the costs of the installations has been
significantly reduced, enabling consumers to pay for systems in less than five
years, says Cedric Worthmann, Eskom Renewable Energy Portfolio Manager.
“Our improved scheme, which will provide purchasing assistance for systems
supplied by Eskom-approved suppliers tested by the SABS, will offer more South
Africans access to solar water heating. This could result in an increased number
of households having their energy costs being cut by between 30 and 50%,” says
Worthmann.

“The increase of up to 120% in the rebate offered was a response to present
market conditions and will not be available for an indefinite period,” Worthmann
said. The value of the rebate will be evaluated and decreased according to
market drivers and energy costs on an annual basis for the next five years.
“Our aim is to encourage as many South Africans as possible to move away from
electric geysers, and replace them with solar heated systems. We estimate that
there are currently about 4.2 million electric geysers in the country and only
76 873 installed solar water heating units.”

Making significant inroads in this market could see huge benefits for the country
as electric geysers presently account for between 30 and 50% of all electricity
used by the domestic market.

The levels of rebate will now see consumers receiving cash rebates of between
R2 100 and R12 500.

“We believe our new increased rebate scheme will make the acquisition of solar
heating more attractive than it has ever been at any time in a country where solar
energy is an obvious alternative to electricity. The widespread adoption of solar
water geysers could also contribute significantly to achieving government’s
objective of having 10 000-gigawatt hours of final energy consumption emanating
from renewable resources,” Worthmann concludes.

People wishing to know more about the Eskom rebate scheme and approved
suppliers can obtain more information on the internet through the Eskom website
www.eskom.co.za/dsm, or by telephoning Eskom’s solar help desk on 011 800
4744.

Issued by Magna Carta on behalf of Eskom
For more information contact
Eskom Media Desk
Tel: 011 800 3304/3309/3343/3378
Cell: 082 805 7278
Fax: 086 664 7699
Email: mediadesk@eskom.co.za