Evaluating greenhouse gas emission reductions by using solar water heaters: A case of low income households in Ekurhuleni, South Africa

Global concern over a looming energy crisis, water scarcity and man-made climate change are driving a huge demand for clean technologies, which focus on preserving the earth’s resources. In South Africa, the economy is very energy-intensive with coal being the main national energy supply. In view of the growing depletion of fossil fuel, it is important for South Africa to adopt a more sustainable energy mix. This study examines the potential for widespread dissemination of solar water heaters (SWHs) in South Africa. Barriers and constraints to market expansion are analyzed to determine strategies for overcoming these barriers. It is found that payback period of a SWH is shorter than the life-span of the system itself, indicating that SWHs are economically viable even with low production cost of electricity and thus represent a profitable investment proposition for end users, manufacturers and distributors. However, the subsidy programs offered by the government of South Africa may not be sufficient to facilitate diffusion. This is attributed to the high initial capital cost of the system and low affordability of the majority of the South Africa population with low income. Alternative financing mechanisms are required.

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Hot water use in low‐income households and the ability of integral solar water heaters to accommodate these needs, by D McLean, J A Basson and E J Jammine, NBRI special report, Bou 75,1985

Development Southern Africa ◽

10.1080/03768358608439241 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 333-334

Author(s):

B Thompson

Keyword(s):

Water Use ◽

Low Income ◽

Hot Water ◽

Special Report ◽

Solar Water ◽

Water Heaters ◽

Solar Water Heaters ◽

Low Income Households

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What contribution does the installation of solar water heaters make towards the alleviation of energy poverty in South Africa?

Journal of Energy in Southern Africa ◽

10.17159/2413-3051/2011/v22i2a3212 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 27-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Holle Linnea Wlokas

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Low Income ◽

Seasonal Variability ◽

Solar Water Heater ◽

Water Heater ◽

Energy Poverty ◽

Solar Water ◽

Water Heaters ◽

Household Vulnerability ◽

Solar Water Heaters

The South African government has publicized plans to install one million solar water heaters in households throughout South Africa by the year 2014, with the goals of reducing strain on existing electricity resources, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, creating employment and alleviating poverty. This paper examines two existing solar water heater installation projects with the aim of investigating the social contribution of the installation of solar water heaters in low-income households in South Africa. The Sustainable Urban Livelihoods approach (SULA) was adjusted to provide an analytical framework for the development of suitable indicators of social change in the context of renewable energies and energy poverty. Increases in household capital and the reduction of household vulnerability to shocks, stressors and seasonal variability as the result of solar water heater installation were investigated in projects in low-income housing developments in the cities of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.Data collected from paired household surveys (before and after installation) in over 600 households and qualitative information (Most Significant Change stories) show that the provision of a constant, cheap source of heated water contributed positively to the alleviation of energy poverty. Household capitals (categorised as Human, Social, Financial, Physical, Natural and Gender capital), including aspects such as health benefits and time and financial savings, were all positively effected by the installation of solar water heaters. In addition, improved energy security greatly reduced household vulnerability to shocks, stressors and seasonal variability. Comparison between the two projects revealed that the geographical setting (climatic conditions in particular), and the approach and strategies adopted by the implementers of the solar water heater installation project, greatly determine the extent to which benefits to the households are realised.

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