Eskom Rebate

Eskom
Solar Synergy can offer systems which qualify for the Eskom rebate.
To check which of our systems are currently on the Eskom suppliers list and the current rebate amount offered, go to www.eskom.co.za, click on suppliers list and select Solar Synergy.
Now is the best time to buy a rebated solar system.
Rebates have been increased. The increase comes in the wake of the energy minister calling for solar water heating to play a significant role in reducing the current electricity constraints.
The new solar program rebate has been calculated to allow consumers a payback of less than 5 years for the installation of solar water heating. This calculation is done taking into account the average cost of systems, average electricity tariff rate and cost of capital at prime interest rate per various system sizes. This rebate will be reduced annually in accordance with electricity tariff increases.
The intention of the program is good and we firmly support any initiatives to encourage renewable energy.
We encourage all potential solar system buyers to study the product and the supplier to make sure they are actually getting a system which suits their needs.

Retrofitting an existing geyser.
A large proportion of our clients prefer to have their existing geyser converted to a solar geyser through the use of a conversion valve. This ultimately saves on the installation costs of a solar system in the order of R5 000 to R8 000 depending on the size of your geyser. As the rebate is a “system specific” rebate it is not always possible to use your existing geyser and qualify. There are rebates on some Kwikot conversions which qualify for a rebate but a site visit would be needed to confirm this. If you have a fairly new geyser you can choose to go this route and pay less.

System vs. Component qualification.
SABS testing is performed on a per system basis so as to acquire the quality factor or Q. This in turn is used to calculate the rebate value that a given system qualifies for. The testing is not component specific which means that each part of the system does not get SABS approval on its own, allowing it to be combined with other SABS systems. This essentially means that any changes made to the system, means that the rebate is no longer applicable unless that new system is also tested as a whole. This applies even if all the components are used in other systems, or if they have foreign test certificates such as TÜV or CE and ISO 9001.

Client makes rebate claim.
Originally, the installer was responsible for claiming the rebate, but there was resistance to this as it was perceived that the installer is actually financing the client for the duration it takes for the claim to clear. So it has changed to the client having to make, and wait 8 weeks for payment. It is essential to submit all the required documentation or the claim will be delayed.

Approvals and Accreditation
Supplier – Installer - Product
To get your rebate these three factors have to be on the Eskom List of Suppliers.
The Supplier – has submitted their company documents and credentials to Deloitte, the company of auditors facilitating the Eskom list of approved suppliers.
The Installer – is nominated by the supplier and trained to install his system.
The Product - testing is done by SABS and is on a complete system basis.
Approving the suppliers and installers has the advantage that the industry will be regulated and will eliminate “fly by night” operators. Our installers are CETA accredited.
Please note it is the responsibility of the home owner to have an electrician provide a COC (certificate of compliance) for any alterations to geyser electrical connections.