Why You Should Consider Installing a Gas Geyser as a Backup for Your Solar Geyser

South Africa's abundant sunshine makes solar geysers a popular choice for heating water in homes. However, even in a country blessed with ample sunlight, there are times when solar geysers may not perform optimally, such as during prolonged cloudy periods or in winter months. In such instances, having a reliable backup system becomes crucial to ensure a consistent supply of hot water. Given the rising electricity prices in South Africa, a gas geyser is an excellent option for this purpose. Here’s why you should consider installing a gas geyser as a backup for your solar geyser.

The Challenge of Solar Geysers: Weather Dependency

Solar geysers are an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for heating water, harnessing the power of the sun to provide hot water without relying on the grid. However, their efficiency is directly tied to the availability of sunlight. During overcast days, extended rainy seasons, or winter months when sunlight is weaker and less consistent, solar geysers may struggle to meet the household’s hot water needs.

Without an effective backup system, households may be forced to rely on electric heating elements within the solar geyser, which can significantly increase electricity consumption, especially with the escalating electricity tariffs in South Africa.

Rising Electricity Costs in South Africa

Eskom, South Africa's primary electricity supplier, has been grappling with financial and operational challenges, leading to regular and substantial increases in electricity prices. In 2023, the country saw a significant electricity tariff increase of 18.65%, with more hikes expected in the coming years. For many households, this means that relying on electricity as a backup for their solar geysers is becoming an increasingly expensive proposition.

The Benefits of Installing a Gas Geyser as a Backup

1. Cost-Efficiency

Gas geysers are generally more cost-effective to operate than electric geysers, particularly as backup systems. Unlike electric geysers, which continuously consume electricity to maintain water temperature, gas geysers only use energy when hot water is needed. This on-demand heating system ensures that energy is not wasted, leading to lower operational costs.

In the context of South Africa’s rising electricity prices, using a gas geyser as a backup can result in significant savings. Instead of incurring high electricity costs during periods of low solar efficiency, you can rely on the more stable and affordable cost of gas.

2. Reliable Hot Water Supply

A gas geyser provides a dependable backup solution, ensuring a steady supply of hot water regardless of weather conditions. Whether it’s during a particularly cloudy week or during winter, your household will not be left without hot water. This reliability is especially important for larger households or those with higher hot water demands.

3. Energy Independence

By integrating a gas geyser into your solar water heating system, you reduce your dependence on the national electricity grid. This not only protects you from the impact of electricity price increases but also offers a level of energy independence that can be particularly valuable during load shedding or power outages—a common occurrence in South Africa.

4. Environmental Benefits

While both solar and gas geysers are more environmentally friendly than electric geysers, combining them can further reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Solar energy is a clean, renewable source, and gas geysers, while relying on fossil fuels, are more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions compared to coal-fired electricity generation. By using gas as a backup, you can minimize your reliance on electricity, which in South Africa is predominantly generated from coal.

A Smart Backup Solution

In South Africa’s current energy landscape, with rising electricity costs and the challenges posed by load shedding, installing a gas geyser as a backup for your solar geyser is a smart move. It offers a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to ensure a consistent supply of hot water, regardless of the weather or the state of the electricity grid.

By investing in a gas geyser, you can maximize the efficiency of your solar system, reduce your energy costs, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll always have hot water when you need it.