A recent Consumer Watch report (Cape Times - 28 June 2010) raised concerns about the level of education on solar water heating in South Africa. According to the report a number of direct solar water heaters recently burst following extremely cold conditions in Johannesburg. Solahart managing director Jim Hickey is of the opinion that this incident could have been prevented had consumers been sufficiently educated on the subject of solar water heaters.

"Over the past 28 years I've often had to replace direct systems with Solahart's indirect flat panel system following periods of extreme cold," said Hickey.

"The Eskom demand side management programme sparked nationwide interest in solar water heating recently. Unfortunately, there hasn't been a great focus on providing useful and impartial information to prevent bad consumer choices, such as the installation of direct systems in frost prone areas. A lack of information jeopardizes the consumer's faith in the validity of solar water heaters as an alternative source of energy," explained Hickey.

"Although some solar geyser companies have been around for many years, since the introduction of the Eskom rebate, the industry has been flooded with inferior systems. It's to the benefit of the country, the environment and individuals to invest in solar water heaters. Every time an inferior system fails, it damages the reputation of the entire industry.

"As in any other industry, you get what you pay for when you invest in a solar water heater. Cheaper systems are generally cheaper because inferior materials are used during manufacturing. Everyone, from the media to insurance companies should get on board to prevent homeowners from investing in systems that have to be replaced regularly," he said.

Apart from regularly replacing solar geysers, lacking education can result in life threatening situations.

"A lot of companies connect solar panels to existing geysers. Consumers don't realise that this is extremely dangerous. The heat generated in solar panels can't be regulated. Electric geysers aren't built to withstand the amount of pressure that builds up when water is heated by the sun. These geysers can literally explode in the roof, which can cost lives," he said.

Hickey proposes greater media coverage of solar water heating and comprehensive information on solar water heating solution on the Eskom DSM website.