A second Solahart for architect

Johannesburg - Former architect and town planner Malcolm Freeland invested in his first solar water heater 34 years ago. He replaced this solar water heater with a Solahart Kf 302 unit in 1996, and has never looked back. 14 years after his first Solahart installation, Freeland is ready to invest in his second Solahart.

"My late sister was very keen on conservation. We had a debate about solar water heating in 1976. I had my reservations, but discussed the matter with a colleague in the Johannesburg City Council, who immediately advised me to go solar," said Freeland.

"We renovated our house specifically to allow for maximum solar exposure. I extended the veranda by four feet and built up the outside wall to shelter the panels. I ensured that the system gets the maximum amount of sunlight and the panels are never shaded," he continued.

Freeland decided to replace his existing solar water heater with a Solahart because of Solahart's ability to retain heat for longer periods. Solahart systems are equipped with a double ceramic layer that insulates heat. This double layer ensures that very little heat is lost in periods of low radiation and at night.

Although Freeland has never serviced his solar water heater, it still supplies hot water to the three occupants in his Houghton home. Because of his positive Solahart experience, Freeland has decided to equip his outbuildings with a Solahart system too.

"I have been very satisfied with my system. Over the past 34 years I have saved a significant amount of money on water heating costs," he concluded.