Solar heated water may become the norm in South Africa, says the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
The bureau points out that collaboration between government and the private sector in the last few years has provided a sound foundation for the provision of high-quality, safe and locally produced solar geysers.
“The intersection of various regulations, the intent to find alternative sources of energy and the requirement for testing, local content verification and certification of solar geysers will lead to hot water in homes becoming a reality for all South Africans in the future.
“The reduced reliance on the energy grid has multiple benefits on household expenses, access to services and will bolster economic growth,” says SABS acting CEO Garth Strachan.
SABS is currently the only laboratory in South Africa that is independently testing solar geysers.
The lab comprises an indoor and outdoor test facility that covers mechanical and electrical components.
The bureau’s testing of solar geysers includes thermal performance, mechanical performance and safety tests; exposing the system in the sun for up to 30 days without any water; fatigue and hydrostatic pressure tests; rain penetration tests; resistance to hail damage; testing for resistance to freezing; and testing for resistance to dezincification.