Solar water heating makes sense

[SBGroup]

The rising cost of electricity has created the need to look toward cheaper sources of energy. Solar radiation is a free, clean and inexhaustible energy source. The use of solar water heaters in homes, factories and offices provides a cost benefit to individuals and companies with minimal damage to the environment.

A 150-litre electric geyser contributes about 1,6 tons of CO2 annually.

It also contributes between 30% and 50% towards your monthly electricity bill.  Averaged out at 45% on an electricity bill of US$80 a month, this equates to US$36 a month or US$432 a year.

The benefits of solar water heating are numerous and significant.  Firstly, a solar water heating system could reduce your monthly electricity bill considerably. Then there’s the corresponding reduction in environmental impacts.  A 50% reduction in traditional energy use means an up to 50% reduction in CO2 emissions. 

Installing a solar water heater could reduce your carbon footprint by half. 

At the same time, you’ll be helping to conserve non-renewable fuels like coal and oil for the future and reducing the pollution resulting from their use. Finally, adding a solar water heating unit to your home could also increase its value in years to come.

At Standard Bank Group we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We installed solar hybrid energy efficient water-heating systems at our head office in Johannesburg back in 2010. Since then we’ve installed many such systems in various properties throughout Africa.

This investment forms a small part of Standard Bank Group's long-term commitment to and introduction of cleaner energy solutions across the group. You can read more about our various sustainable initiatives at www.standardbank.com/sustainability.