AS the challenges with Eskom continue, energy-efficient solutions are top of mind for consumers who can no longer afford record-high electricity costs that peak during the winter season.
To meet demand for environmentally-friendly, renewable energy solutions in line with the growing focus on sustainable living, leading geyser manufacturer, Kwikot, is expanding its solar market in the country.
Acquired in 2017 by Swedish international company, Electrolux, the Kwikot brand has seen a steady, rising demand for solar geysers as households seek energy and cost-saving solutions to cope with higher fuel, food and electricity prices that have spiralled to record levels in recent months.
Solar systems reduce heating costs
Geysers are one of the appliances that use the most electricity, and with load shedding periods returning many people are investing in solar systems. When building new houses, it has become normal practice and law to include a solar geyser and a solar system for generating electricity.
“Around 87 percent of electricity consumed is generated using coal, one of the most environmentally damaging fossil fuel on the planet, which is also consuming ever higher portions of the ordinary household budget. Water heating is responsible for 40 percent of household energy. Consumers are therefore seeking not only environmentally sensitive, sustainable living home solutions such as solar water heating, but also to tighten their belts and save on energy costs,” says Murray Crow, Managing Director of Electrolux South Africa.
Dominating the local market
“At Kwikot, we have consistently invested in research and development to improve our range of traditional and thermal solar geysers, as well as our high-tech solar PV (Photovoltaic) plug-in geyser solutions. This has placed us in a leading position to now meet the demand for solar geysers,” says Crow.
High-quality geyser systems assist households to drastically reduce their electricity consumption and bills; and in turn, contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
Crow says that Kwikot’s success is poised to grow further afield as the firm seeks to expand its export business. “Electrolux’s strategy for growth is centred around sustainability and improving living for all. We are always pursuing new markets and channels for sales and support. We currently export to seven African countries. Our export market is around five percent of our current business.”
Back home, the focus is on growing the local solar geyser market, while continuing to meet the demand for traditional geysers.
Talk to the experts
Crow advises consumers to work closely with a trusted plumber to choose the correct quality and size geyser at the right price.
“It’s important to make the right decision as buying a new solar geyser is a sizeable home investment that will last you for many years. Once you have selected your geyser, remember that only qualified plumbers should install geysers.
“They can ensure that the installations are compliant to SANS 10254, which ensures that all the protection and safety devices are installed correctly as part of the hot water system. This will eliminate any problems such as damage to your geyser when load shedding and water cuts occur,” says Crow.
