The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) is dedicated to the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies including solar water heaters, heat pumps and green energy industries like bioenergy, wind to hydro.

Run by an independent national office, the SESSA solar water heating division is aligned strategically with Eskom to support the solar rebate programme. Choosing Eskom registered suppliers and installers means you are choosing SESSA registered suppliers, ensuring that accepted norms and standards are maintained for your installation.

As the solar industry watchdog, supported by an ombudsman, SESSA enforces quality control and a code of conduct amongst its members and the sector at large.

In the event of consumer concerns relating to solar installations and supplier conduct, SESSA will gladly assist consumers to ensure that the benefits of investing in renewable technologies like solar water heating are realised by the end-user.

SESSA endeavours to educate end-users about the benefits of adopting energy-saving technologies as well as encouraging the development of a sustainable and successful low carbon society.

• SESSA Facebook page
• SESSA Twitter page
• SESSA website

Contact:

• 011 513 4071 (Johannesburg)
• 021 526 0353 (Western Cape)

Email addresses at SESSA:

• ambassador@sessa.org.za
• ombudsman@sessa.org.za
• robin.thomson@sessa.org.za

Some timers installed in households lose their settings when they have lost power. This happens due to power outages, switching the circuit in which the timer is installed or quality of supply/frequency fluctuations. The effect of this is that the timer, when switched on again, is now set to switch off and on at a different time causing timer drift.

This new timer setting could fall within the Eskom peak period. To combat this, householders are reminded to:

• Check if their timers synchronise automatically.
• If not, to check their timer settings and to ensure the correct setting is still in effect.

Correct timer settings not only ensure peak electricity use is curtailed but also ensures that optimal savings on solar systems are achieved.

Click on the link below to view more information on Low pressure solar roll outs:

• Low pressure solar roll outs

What is the programme about?

The government has set a target for renewable energy to contribute 10 000 giga watt hours (GWh) of final energy consumption by 2013. Solar water heating could contribute up to 23% towards this target.

Solar power is one of the most effective renewable energy sources available. By implementing it in water heating, we can target one of the most power-intensive household activities for maximum power saving effect.

To actively encourage and promote the widespread implementation of solar water heating, Eskom has rolled out a large-scale solar water heating programme. This programme will assist you when buying an SABS tested solar water heater to replace your conventional geyser.

In addition to the rebate that you will receive upon installation of solar water heating, many insurance companies are now allowing you to put your claim value towards a solar system or are offering solar water heaters as replacement in the event of a burst geyser.

• Solar Water Heating suppliers list

*Note to potential solar buyers – please be sure to check back on this website regularly to ensure that your chosen supplier is still registered on the programme, as suppliers are de-registered from time to time.*

Below is a quick step-by-step guide to choosing a supplier and a system, and getting a rebate:

1. Go to our Supplier page (Click here to go to the Supplier database with all registered supplier details) to see which suppliers and products are registered with the programme.
2. Contact a supplier in your area.
3. Have them recommend a system to you, based on your home, family size, usage patterns, location and budget.
4. Confirm that the system you choose will qualify for a rebate (not all systems being sold by suppliers will).
5. Follow the normal sales procedure with your chosen supplier.
6. Ensure your old electric geyser is disabled.
7. Complete and sign the required documentation.
8. Submit the required rebate forms in the supplied envelope to the facilitating auditors.
9. You will receive SMS progress reports on your claim.

Click here to go to the solar water heating suppliers database with all registered suppliers details.

Customers who have complaints can also direct or send their queries to the solar industry ombudsman on email: ombudsman@sessa.org.za

*Note to potential solar buyers – please be sure to check back on this website regularly to ensure that your chosen supplier is still registered on the programme, as suppliers are de-registered from time to time.*

When you install your solar water heater you will receive a rebate from ESKOM. We are using an international best practice model for rebates where you pay the full installation price and claim back the rebate amount from the facilitating auditors.
To claim your rebate, all you need to do is submit a claim form; provided to you by your registered supplier/installer. Note that in order to claim a rebate you must install a registered system and use a registered installer.

Both you and the supplier must complete the claim form and it must be signed off by a qualified electrician. You submit your claim to the programme facilitating auditors that oversee the payments. You can either post it or drop it in designated drop-boxes at Deloitte offices. You will receive your rebate within 8 weeks of receipt of your completed claim.You can read more on how the rebate system works here.

• How the rebate system works
• Step by step guide to choosing a solar water heating system

Only high quality solar water heating systems have been approved for installation as part of the programme. The system must have a SABS conformity certificate and full test reports on its thermal capabilities and its mechanical and safety soundness. It must be installed according to predetermined conditions.

*Note to potential solar buyers – please be sure to check back on this website regularly to ensure that your chosen supplier is still registered on the programme, as suppliers are de-registered from time to time.*

In order to help you to choose a solar water heating system as well as a registered installer, we have provided a system choice checklist. Click here to view the checklist. There is also a detailed supplier and system database (click here to view our Solar Water Heating suppliers) that you can use to research the types of solar systems available in your area, the size that would most suitably meet your needs and the suppliers in your area that will give you the rebate. Before installation commences we recommend that you either email or call our DSM Helpdesk. Click here to contact us or check the latest registered supplier list database to ensure that your system qualifies for a rebate.

Customers who have complaints can also direct or send their queries to the solar industry ombudsman on email: ombudsman@sessa.org.za

*Note to potential solar buyers – please be sure to check back on this website regularly to ensure that your chosen supplier is still registered on the programme, as suppliers are de-registered from time to time.*

Each system tested by the SABS receives a system rating (Q-factor), which indicates the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it is expected to save on a typical day (as determined by the SABS test). All solar water heating systems included in the programme have a SABS thermal test report indicating the system’s ability to produce hot water. The rebate is calculated based on these test results – but it also takes into account the affordability of systems and attempts to provide consumers with a five year payback period.

The (rebate formulae) calculation factors in the prime interest rate and projected electricity tariff increases. This formula allows one to compare same-sized systems to each other – based on consumption assumptions. Please note that the rebate value will be reduced at the start of each new year, based on market influences.

To screen possible unscrupulous suppliers from the programme, Eskom has appointed facilitating auditors to audit registered suppliers.

The minimum guarantee that suppliers on this programme offer, is 5 years. Some suppliers might have longer guarantees on certain components of their systems; you will need to discuss this with your supplier, although this will not affect the length of the overall system guarantee.

Please Note that suppliers must issue you with their guarantee certificate and conditions, operation and maintenance plan when they install your system.

• Step by step guide to choosing a solar water heating system

Eskom has developed various solutions to minimise load shedding, one of these is a pilot of load limiting technology in the Lonehill and Fourways areas in Johannesburg.

Specific streets and complexes within these areas have been invited to participate in the pilot project which aims to test load limiting technology in order to avoid the need for load shedding. Residents were asked to participate and in so doing assist in minimising the possibility and inconvenience of load shedding.

The pilot project, being implemented by Eskom DSM in conjunction with Eskom Research and Innovation Department (ERID) and EON Consulting, is part of a rigorous programme to assess the effectiveness of new load limiting technology in controlling residential demand. If successful, and based on the feedback from the selected area’s participants, the technology may be rolled out nationally.

Load Limit Technology

This brand new technology will allow Eskom to limit the amount of electricity supplied to households during high-constraint periods. By stabilising the electricity network in this way, load shedding can then be avoided.

The technology also provides residential consumers with a practical tool (free of charge) for monitoring and controlling their electricity consumption. This tool or display device can be plugged into any wall socket in the home. The display device can be moved from one room to another. By switching electrical appliances on and off they can see, in real time, how their total consumption varies. Residents are thus empowered to make their own decisions about how to reduce their household’s demand for electricity.

The electricity demand display instrument or eddi that participating residents receives, shows the real-time demand of the various electrical appliances at work in each individual household. The supply of electricity to participating households will only be limited during load limiting periods. The load limits will be based on the power reductions required by Eskom’s National Control Centre to maintain the stability of the electricity network.

The pilot participants have the choice as to which appliances to use during load limit periods during the 10 day pilot period. As long as they comply with the required load limit set during the pilot period, they will not be load shed.

When a household does not comply with the load limit that was set during the pilot, that individual house is load shed. Participants are granted 3 chances to comply with the requested load limit.

Households complying with the load limit within a set timeframe will receive the lower level of power until the restriction is lifted by Eskom. After a load limiting period has ended, full power is automatically restored to that household.

How does the Electricity Demand Display Instrument (eddi) work?

Click here to read more about eddi

Progress during 2009

Cycle 1 of the load limiting pilot period took place 26 Oct to 6 Nov 2009.

During the load limiting periods (2hours a day only and not over the week end) customers had the opportunity to experience how their display unit or eddi assists them in reducing their consumption to the required load limit.

They could also familiarise themselves with sending a blank sms and re-connecting their own power (with no human intervention) if they were unable to comply with the load limit. Participants were given 3 opportunities to comply to the limit. If they still did not comply to the limit set for that period, their power would be cut until the load limit period ends. Their power was automatically fully restored after a load limit period ended – whether they adhered to the limit or not.

The load limits set was irrespective of size of dwelling, amount of occupants or previous electricity usage. All participants experienced the same limit.
An independent behavioural study was conducted by the University of the Free State by means of telephonic questionnaires before as well as after the load limiting period. Based on the findings it can be concluded that the pilot group:

• experienced the display device (eddi) in a very positive way
• consumer behaviour quickly adapted to the display device
• demonstrated a greater awareness of electricity consumption after using eddi
• demonstrated confidence in using eddi
• firmly believe that they can save on electricity by using the display device
• will use eddi as an alternative to load shedding
• will encourage the roll-out of the display device

Progress during 2010

• Upgrade to system

Customers residing in selected complexes and streets in the Lonehill area (Gauteng) were contacted during March 2010 to collect their eddi and become part of a second pilot cycle of load limiting.

The technical lessons learnt, as a result of the 2 pilot periods, accumulated in an upgrade of the load limiting system so as to ensure continuous improvement of the technology. These technical improvements however meant an upgrade of the display device (or eddi) as well.

• Eddi Swap out

The swap out of eddi is planned from November 2010. All participants with an eddi will be notified how and where to obtain an improved eddi. Participants can then keep the display device. They will then own a tool to manage their energy usage, and subsequently have the opportunity to save on their electricity bill.

• Distribution box upgrades

In addition, distribution box upgrades were done in the Fourways, Dainfern, Douglasdale and Magaliessig areas (Gauteng) during 2010 to accommodate the load management system.

• Metros

City Power, eThekwini and Cape Town Municipality have also been approached during 2010 and customers in specific selected pilot sites are joining the Load Management Pilot.

If you are interested to know more about the pilot, kindly contact Aret le Roux via email at Lrouxar@eskom.co.za

Your safety is our priority. At no point in the installation process will access to participants’ homes be required. Residents in the pilot area should not allow anyone claiming to be from Eskom into their homes. Furthermore, certified installation technicians installing back-end technology in the substations in the area will be clearly identified by ID cards

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ESKOM HONOURS WINNERS OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING DESIGN COMPETITION

One would expect to encounter more than just a flash of inspiration at a contemporary design exhibition – but the sheer brilliance of the winning entries on display at the awards event of the 2010 Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition surpassed all expectations. The event, which formed part of the Eskom eta Awards function, honoured the six individual winners as well as the educational institution of the winning student.

In order to draw on the full breadth and depth of talent and skill in South Africa, the Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition is open to students and professionals in the fields of architecture, interior designing, lighting specialists, engineering and anyone else with a passion for designing energy efficient lighting. The primary goal of the competition is to demonstrate that efficient lighting technologies such as fluorescent technology and LEDs can be used in ultramodern and attractive luminaires for residential lighting. It is also intended to encourage the design of creative and cost-effective luminaires, while promoting the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in the residential sector.

The total prize money is R250 000 with R17 000 set aside for merit awards.

The winners in the three categories are:

Category A: Residential luminaire design (students)
1st prize: R30 000: Lee Hutton of TUT Fine and Applied Arts (Spike-lamp)
2nd prize: R20 000: Navarre Ebersohn of TUT Architecture (Ecliptic Layering)
3rd prize: R10 000: Ané Matthee of the University of Pretoria (Luminest)

The Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Tshwane University of Technology (Glass and Ceramic Design) received the Top Educational Institution prize of R10 000.

Category B: Residential luminaire design (professional)
1st prize: R30 000: Christopher Wood from Cape Town with Fissure Light
2nd prize: R20 000: Trevor Hollard from Johannesburg with White Light
3rd prize: R10 000: Rudie Botha from Pretoria with Woodi

Three Special Awards were given, namely:

Special Award: Most Promising Designer of the Year: Sinegugu Sosibo from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) (Interior Design) with O-lite.
Special Award: Most Promising Designer of the Year: Ashleigh Harrington from Greenside Design Centre with The Mante Rae.
Special Award: Most Promising Designer of the Year: Innovation: Stevan Tseng from the University of Cape Town with Foldback Clip Light.

The organisers received a total of 567 entries in the two categories. Entrants had to comply with strict competition rules. In addition to constructing a model, each entrant was also required to provide a technical description of his or her design, set out a detailed budget and to name the design.

This year’s eye-catching creations present a celebration of local talent, with an astounding variety of styles and moods. From sleek, chic and high-tech designs sculpted in metal, granite and glass, to the tongue-in-cheek humour portrayed by entries with names such as De-light-ful, Afro Love Affair, “Gekoekde” light, Avo-lution, the “AHA!” Lamp, Power Flower and Plumb-delier, the judges certainly had their work cut out for them in making their final selections. The creative efforts that made their way to the judging table came from as far afield as Newcastle, George, Sedgefield, Barberton, Nelspruit and Kroonstad.

The materials utilized included pipe cleaners, scrap metal, shower heads, cold drink bottles, credit cards and even the colander. These materials may seem simple – but the effect they created in their newfound roles as bearers of light was anything but ordinary – it was magical.

• EELDC winners 2010
• Special Awards winners 2010