Eskom rebate: Is it real?

Eskom's rebate increase announcement sparked renewed interest in solar water heaters, exactly as the state-owned utility intended. However, many consumers are concerned that the rebate amount is nothing but an empty promise from Eskom.

Ever since the rebate system was announced in 2008, Selected Energy has been an active participant in the Eskom DSM programme. Over 1 600 rebates have been paid out to Selected Energy customers over the past year and a half.

How much should I get?

The rebate amount on the 180 litre Solahart Kf181 increased from R2 484 to R4 967, while the rebate on the 300 litre Solahart Kf302 increased from R4 917 to R12 097.

How do I claim?

Your solar water heater supplier should provide the relevant forms once the installation is complete. Both the supplier and the consumer should fill out the form.*

The completed form containing the original barcode sticker should be mailed to Eskom.

How do I get the money?

Eskom deposits your rebate directly into your personal bank account.

How long does it take?

Selected Energy customers receive their rebate within two to six weeks of claiming.

Trouble! Who do I call?

Once the forms have been submitted to Eskom, it is out of the supplier's hands. To follow up on rebate claims, contact the Eskom help desk on 011-800-4744 or email them.

Solahart

For more information on Solahart solar geysers, contact 0861-765-24278 (SOLAHART) or email us.

*It's important to note that not all solar water heater suppliers are registered with Eskom. Click here to view registered suppliers.

Eskom rebate: Is it real?

Eskom's rebate increase announcement sparked renewed interest in solar water heaters, exactly as the state-owned utility intended. However, many consumers are concerned that the rebate amount is nothing but an empty promise from Eskom.

Ever since the rebate system was announced in 2008, Selected Energy has been an active participant in the Eskom DSM programme. Over 1 600 rebates have been paid out to Selected Energy customers over the past year and a half.

How much should I get?

The rebate amount on the 180 litre Solahart Kf181 increased from R2 484 to R4 967, while the rebate on the 300 litre Solahart Kf302 increased from R4 917 to R12 097.

How do I claim?

Your solar water heater supplier should provide the relevant forms once the installation is complete. Both the supplier and the consumer should fill out the form.*

The completed form containing the original barcode sticker should be mailed to Eskom.

How do I get the money?

Eskom deposits your rebate directly into your personal bank account.

How long does it take?

Selected Energy customers receive their rebate within two to six weeks of claiming.

Trouble! Who do I call?

Once the forms have been submitted to Eskom, it is out of the supplier's hands. To follow up on rebate claims, contact the Eskom help desk on 011-800-4744 or email them.

Solahart

For more information on Solahart solar geysers, contact 0861-765-24278 (SOLAHART) or email us.

*It's important to note that not all solar water heater suppliers are registered with Eskom. Click here to view registered suppliers.

Eskom has increased the rebate amount on a 300-litre Solahart solar geyser from R4 918 to R12 097.

In a memorandum to all Eskom Demand Side Management (DSM) participants, Eskom's solar water heating programme manager Cedric Worthmann said the drastic increase in the rebate amount is a result of increased pressure from government "for solar water heating to play a significant role in reducing the current electricity constraints".

According to the memorandum, the new rebate amount has been calculated to allow a five-year payback period.

"This calculation is done taking into account the average cost of systems, average savings per system, average electricity tariff rate and cost of capital at prime interest rate per system size," Wothmann stated.

This announcement follows reports that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) will hold five hearings this coming week to review Eskom's controversial 45% tariff increase application.

According to Selected Energy managing director Jim Hickey the latest news from Eskom is a confidence booster to all industry players.

"We have long been calling for a larger rebate," said Hickey.

"In the solar water heating industry we know larger rebates to be the most effective way of improving the uptake of solar water heaters in South Africa. We believe that this step will go a long way in relieving some of the supply pressures Eskom has been experiencing," he continued.

"With the latest increase in the rebate amount, paired with Eskom's proposed tariff increases I am confident that the payback period for a family of four will be significantly less than five years," said Hickey.

Eskom has increased the rebate amount on a 300-litre Solahart solar geyser from R4 918 to R12 097.

In a memorandum to all Eskom Demand Side Management (DSM) participants, Eskom's solar water heating programme manager Cedric Worthmann said the drastic increase in the rebate amount is a result of increased pressure from government "for solar water heating to play a significant role in reducing the current electricity constraints".

According to the memorandum, the new rebate amount has been calculated to allow a five-year payback period.

"This calculation is done taking into account the average cost of systems, average savings per system, average electricity tariff rate and cost of capital at prime interest rate per system size," Wothmann stated.

This announcement follows reports that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) will hold five hearings this coming week to review Eskom's controversial 45% tariff increase application.

According to Selected Energy managing director Jim Hickey the latest news from Eskom is a confidence booster to all industry players.

"We have long been calling for a larger rebate," said Hickey.

"In the solar water heating industry we know larger rebates to be the most effective way of improving the uptake of solar water heaters in South Africa. We believe that this step will go a long way in relieving some of the supply pressures Eskom has been experiencing," he continued.

"With the latest increase in the rebate amount, paired with Eskom's proposed tariff increases I am confident that the payback period for a family of four will be significantly less than five years," said Hickey.