did you know?

That the most advanced PV design to date is by a South African, Professor Vivian Alberts of University Johannesburg. Read more facts here

newsletter

Subscribe to our free Newsletter and stay informed of what is happening in the industry. This is a sent out every two months.

survey

Take our survey and help us colate important information to get you the best solution to your household solar efficiency problems.

how does it work?

For those interested in the way things work, this will provide some interesting reading and background knowledge on solar energy.

water harvesting - (grey water)

A little off the subject of solar, but still on the one of greening, take a look at ideas to harvest and efficiently utilise water in your household

energy saving tips

Become more green, even if it is in baby steps. Learn some useful tips and tricks to save you money around the house. Everything counts you know.

interesting & useful links

Here are some links you might find handy if you are looking to learn more around the subject of solar energy, what's happening, other uses and more.

while you are at it

Take a look at these other energy saving devices, as they will collectively make you more green.

 

 

solar gallery - the main ingredients

solar pool heating

In many areas, especially where there is limited sun, solar pool heating is one of the most practical applications of solar energy. People around the world are catching onto this - even in Africa, solar pool heaters make up more than 70% of the pool heating market.

No matter what, your solar pool heater will save on your pool heating costs. In warmer areas, especially, it is inadvisable to heat with solar. Over a 15 year period, you could spend five times as much on heating with electricity as you would with a solar pool heater.

Even if you ‘hybridize’ your solar heater with an electric heat pump, it will still save you money.

Here are some more solar pool heating benefits, adapted from a South African guide to solar pool heating. Just think of how much more beneficial solar will be in Cape Town or Pretoria!

solar extends your swimming season

Whether or not you have an existing heater, you can keep your pool warmer and open longer with free energy from the sun.

In most areas of South Africa a solar heater used in combination with a solar pool cover can add two to four months to the beginning and end of the swimming season. You get a longer swimming season for free.

solar equipment is durable

Solar equipment often lasts longer than electric heat pump heaters. With proper yearly maintenance, you can expect fuel heaters to last seven to 10 years. Most heat pump heaters have a two-year warranty, and well-made heat pumps carry a five-year warranty with five-year warranty on the compressors. Solar panels have a minimum 10-year warranty and generally last 15 to 20 years or longer.

solar requires less maintenance

Unlike gas and electric heaters, which should be serviced by a technician every year, a solar heater requires very little servicing. Again, that means less cost and less hassle for the pool owner.

solar energy is good for the environment

These days we hear a lot about the damaging effect that burning fossil fuels is having on the environment. Burning fuels releases nitrogen oxides that cause the formation of smog in urban areas. Using solar energy instead of fossil fuels can help reduce this smog.

Burning fuels also releases carbon dioxide, the main cause of climate change. Replacing a natural gas or propane heater with a solar heater could stop three to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide– about the same amount produced by operating your car for one year!– from entering the atmosphere each season.