AMaster of Business Administration student at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), Sian Adams, has launched a comprehensive survey into the residential adoption of solar water heating (SWH) systems by middle- and high-income earners.

She hopes the survey will identify what factors prompted South Africans to adopt SWH systems for their homes in the past, and what will most effectively influence those still considering solar to invest in the technology.

The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (Sessa), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the creation and continued growth of an authoritative renewable-energy hub, is supporting Adams. Sessa believes the results of the survey will enable it, as well as its members, to be more effective when communicating the benefits of solar to potential customers.

Sessa Cape Town manager Robin Thomson says geysers in homes account for the lion’s share of electricity consumption, and that switching to solar in existing homes could save 30% on the average household’s monthly electricity bill.

A standard 200 ℓ solar heating system saves an average of 2 600 kWh/y of electricity, compared with an electric geyser. This is the equivalent of R19 700 in electricity savings over five years and at least R30 000 over seven years.

“Not only will a thriving SWH sector contribute much to the development of South Africa’s green economy but it will also relieve pressure on the country’s electricity grid and help reduce its carbon footprint. Once people have converted to solar, we don’t ever expect them to go back,” Thomson says.

Sessa is appealing to anyone who deals with consumers on a daily basis, like architects, builders, plumbers, electricians, consultants, engineers, painting contractors, designers and decorators, to assist in getting as many South Africans as possible to participate in the survey, which can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SOLARSYSTEMS.