Homeowners wanting to buy a solar water-heating system can now receive a rebate of up to 20 percent, Eskom announced yesterday.<--blurb0-->

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<--par1-->Through Eskom¡¯

s solar rebate programme, homeowners can save anything from R1800 to R4900 when they install a solar water-heating system. These systems cost between R14000 and R33000.<--par0-->

<--par1-->Spokesman Andrew Etzinger said solar panels provide a viable alternative to traditional electrical geysers.<--par0-->

<--par1-->¡°The systems could use solar energy to produce between 50 and 90 percent of a typical household¡¯s water requirements and save up to 70 percent of hot water heating costs,¡± said Etzinger.<--par0-->

<--par1-->To be eligible for a rebate the system must be approved by the South African Bureau of Standards, it must include a functioning timer and must be installed by an Eskom-approved installer.<--par0-->

<--par1-->¡°The solar rebate programme has been developed to ensure consumers not only obtain systems at a discount, but also to encourage people to buy quality systems,¡± he said, adding that not all imported equipment would be effective in the South African climate.<--par0-->

<--par1-->To apply for a rebate, homeowners must submit a complete rebate claim application to Eskom Deloitte, with claims to be settled within eight weeks.<--par0-->

<--par1-->¡°Rebate programmes such as this one have been running successfully around the world for years and Eskom is optimistic that we can achieve similar benefits in South Africa,¡± said Etzinger.<--par0-->