Episode 6 – Buyer’s Guide: Solar Water Heaters
Buyer’s Guide – Kwiksol Solar Geysers
South Africans are no strangers to energy challenges. From load shedding schedules that disrupt daily routines to electricity tariffs that rise faster than inflation, households are under constant pressure to find smarter ways to keep the lights, and the hot water on.
For many, water heating is the single biggest contributor to their electricity bill, accounting for 30 - 40% of household energy use. Every shower, bath, and kitchen sink session adds up. In a climate where Eskom’s reliability is shaky and costs continue to climb, reducing that burden isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a necessity.
That’s where solar comes in. With over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, South Africa has one of the best climates in the world for solar energy. Yet, while solar PV panels often dominate the conversation, solar geysers are one of the most cost-effective and impactful renewable upgrades any household can make.
By harnessing the sun’s free energy, a solar geyser can:
● Cut water heating costs by up to 40%.
● Reduce your reliance on Eskom.
● Lower your household carbon footprint.
● Provide hot water security during load shedding.
In Episode 6 of the KwikTok series, KK explains how solar geysers work, while Chantelle provides her humorous take - reminding us that wrapping your geyser in a blanket “saves jackets in your pocket.” Together, they prove that the sun isn’t just for tanning. It’s the key to affordable, reliable hot water in South Africa.
For many, water heating is the single biggest contributor to their electricity bill, accounting for 30 - 40% of household energy use. Every shower, bath, and kitchen sink session adds up. In a climate where Eskom’s reliability is shaky and costs continue to climb, reducing that burden isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a necessity.
That’s where solar comes in. With over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, South Africa has one of the best climates in the world for solar energy. Yet, while solar PV panels often dominate the conversation, solar geysers are one of the most cost-effective and impactful renewable upgrades any household can make.
By harnessing the sun’s free energy, a solar geyser can:
● Cut water heating costs by up to 40%.
● Reduce your reliance on Eskom.
● Lower your household carbon footprint.
● Provide hot water security during load shedding.
In Episode 6 of the KwikTok series, KK explains how solar geysers work, while Chantelle provides her humorous take - reminding us that wrapping your geyser in a blanket “saves jackets in your pocket.” Together, they prove that the sun isn’t just for tanning. It’s the key to affordable, reliable hot water in South Africa.
How Do Solar Geysers Work?
At the heart of every solar geyser is a solar collector system that captures energy from the sun and transfers it into water. There are two main types of collectors:
Flat Plate Collectors:
○ Simple, durable design.
○ Made with insulated glass covers that trap solar energy.
○ Best suited for most South African homes in warm to moderate climates.
Evacuated Tube Collectors:
○ Use multiple glass tubes with a vacuum layer that reduces heat loss.
○ Perform better in colder or high-altitude areas where frost is a risk.
○ More efficient but slightly more expensive than flat plate systems.
The heated water is stored in a Kwikot geyser tank, which is insulated to retain the temperature for hours. For maximum performance, many tanks also include an electric backup element, ensuring hot water even during extended cloudy periods.
Flat Plate Collectors:
○ Simple, durable design.
○ Made with insulated glass covers that trap solar energy.
○ Best suited for most South African homes in warm to moderate climates.
Evacuated Tube Collectors:
○ Use multiple glass tubes with a vacuum layer that reduces heat loss.
○ Perform better in colder or high-altitude areas where frost is a risk.
○ More efficient but slightly more expensive than flat plate systems.
The heated water is stored in a Kwikot geyser tank, which is insulated to retain the temperature for hours. For maximum performance, many tanks also include an electric backup element, ensuring hot water even during extended cloudy periods.
Direct vs Indirect Solar Systems
South Africa’s diverse climate means one solar solution doesn’t fit all.
● Direct Systems:
○ Water flows directly through the collectors.
○ High efficiency, fewer moving parts, lower installation cost.
○ Best for regions like Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
○ Recommended for areas with good water conditions or where frost is common.
● Indirect Systems:
○ A glycol solution circulates through the collector tubes instead of water.
○ The glycol transfers heat to the water via the geyser’s jacket that surrounds the inner tank. Prevents freezing in colder climates such as the Drakensberg or high-altitude Eastern Cape.
○ Protects against scaling from hard water by isolating the geyser water from the collector loop.
Choosing the right system is critical. A licensed installer will recommend the right match based on geography, water quality, and household size.
The Kwiksol Solar Geyser range includes both options, ensuring a fit for every climate zone.
● Direct Systems:
○ Water flows directly through the collectors.
○ High efficiency, fewer moving parts, lower installation cost.
○ Best for regions like Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
○ Recommended for areas with good water conditions or where frost is common.
● Indirect Systems:
○ A glycol solution circulates through the collector tubes instead of water.
○ The glycol transfers heat to the water via the geyser’s jacket that surrounds the inner tank. Prevents freezing in colder climates such as the Drakensberg or high-altitude Eastern Cape.
○ Protects against scaling from hard water by isolating the geyser water from the collector loop.
Choosing the right system is critical. A licensed installer will recommend the right match based on geography, water quality, and household size.
The Kwiksol Solar Geyser range includes both options, ensuring a fit for every climate zone.
Why Solar Geysers Save You Money
Switching to solar is more than just “going green.” It’s about making smarter financial decisions:
● Free energy from the sun: Unlike Eskom, the sun doesn’t send a monthly bill.
● Lower running costs: Households save up to 40% on electricity use.
● Fast payback period: Most solar geysers pay for themselves in 3 - 5 years.
● Reduced load on backup power: Less strain on generators, inverters, and batteries.
Chantelle sums it up with a grin: “Why pay Eskom for something the sun gives you for free?”
● Free energy from the sun: Unlike Eskom, the sun doesn’t send a monthly bill.
● Lower running costs: Households save up to 40% on electricity use.
● Fast payback period: Most solar geysers pay for themselves in 3 - 5 years.
● Reduced load on backup power: Less strain on generators, inverters, and batteries.
Chantelle sums it up with a grin: “Why pay Eskom for something the sun gives you for free?”
Installation Best Practices
Proper installation is the difference between long-term efficiency and wasted investment.
● Roof Orientation: Collectors should face true north for maximum solar exposure.
● Tilt Angle: Ideally set to your latitude (+10° in winter-prone areas) to optimise year-round performance.
● Pipe Insulation: Use high-quality lagging to prevent 20–30% of heat losses that typically occur in uninsulated pipes.
● Closed Loop Pressure Testing: Indirect systems must be correctly pressure-tested to avoid glycol leaks.
● Backup Element Wiring: Must be installed by a licensed electrician in compliance with SANS 10142-1.
● Drip Trays and Overflows: Required under SANS 10254 to protect ceilings from leaks and ensure insurance compliance.
Kwikot recommends always using certified installers to ensure your Kwiksol Solar Geyser performs optimally and qualifies for warranty support.
● Roof Orientation: Collectors should face true north for maximum solar exposure.
● Tilt Angle: Ideally set to your latitude (+10° in winter-prone areas) to optimise year-round performance.
● Pipe Insulation: Use high-quality lagging to prevent 20–30% of heat losses that typically occur in uninsulated pipes.
● Closed Loop Pressure Testing: Indirect systems must be correctly pressure-tested to avoid glycol leaks.
● Backup Element Wiring: Must be installed by a licensed electrician in compliance with SANS 10142-1.
● Drip Trays and Overflows: Required under SANS 10254 to protect ceilings from leaks and ensure insurance compliance.
Kwikot recommends always using certified installers to ensure your Kwiksol Solar Geyser performs optimally and qualifies for warranty support.
Boosting Solar Efficiency
Once your solar geyser is installed, efficiency can be improved further:
● Geyser Blankets: Prevent overnight heat loss of up to 5°C. Timers: Control when backup elements switch on, reducing unnecessary heating.
● Hybrid Setups: Pairing a solar geyser with a Kwikpump Heat Pump ensures efficiency even during prolonged cloudy weeks.
● Panel Cleaning: Dust, pollen, and bird droppings can reduce collector efficiency by up to 15% - annual cleaning restores performance.
● Geyser Blankets: Prevent overnight heat loss of up to 5°C. Timers: Control when backup elements switch on, reducing unnecessary heating.
● Hybrid Setups: Pairing a solar geyser with a Kwikpump Heat Pump ensures efficiency even during prolonged cloudy weeks.
● Panel Cleaning: Dust, pollen, and bird droppings can reduce collector efficiency by up to 15% - annual cleaning restores performance.
Solar vs Other Options
| Feature | Electric Geyser | Solar Geyser | Heat Pump |
| Initial Cost | Low | Medium-High | Medium |
| Running Cost | High | Very Low | Low |
| Weather Dependence | None | Sun Required | Works anytime |
| Eco Impact | High | Very Low | Low |
| Payback Period | N/A | 3-5 years | 2-4 years |
FAQs About Solar Geysers
- Yes - while they’re less efficient, insulated tanks store heat for use. Most systems also include electric backup elements.
- Up to 15 years with proper servicing. Collectors are highly durable.
- Minimal. Clean panels annually and service valves every 2 - 3 years.
- Yes. A licensed installer can adapt an existing Kwikot Superline geyser into a solar-ready system.
- Yes, provided they are SANS-approved and installed per SANS standards. Kwikot meets both.
Why Choose Kwiksol?
Not all solar geysers are equal. Kwikot’s Kwiksol range is:
● NRCS approved and compliant with national safety standards.
● Designed for South African conditions - heat, frost, and salty coastal air.
● Compatible with hybrid solutions like Kwikpump Heat Pumps.
● Backed by Kwikot’s 100+ years of expertise in water heating.
● NRCS approved and compliant with national safety standards.
● Designed for South African conditions - heat, frost, and salty coastal air.
● Compatible with hybrid solutions like Kwikpump Heat Pumps.
● Backed by Kwikot’s 100+ years of expertise in water heating.
Everyday Reliability
Solar isn’t just about cutting bills. It’s about everyday peace of mind. With Kwikot, you know you’re getting a system built for longevity and backed by expert service.
Final Thoughts
Episode 6 of KwikTok proves solar geysers aren’t just hype. They’re the future of hot water in South Africa - affordable, eco-friendly, and reliable. With the Kwiksol range, households can enjoy long-term savings while reducing their environmental footprint.
Need professional installation? Kwikot Service Support
Need professional installation? Kwikot Service Support