In Cape Town, a public campaign and accreditation system targeted the lack of trust in solar water heater providers in order to reduce household energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
The residential sector uses 37% of the total electricity consumed in Cape Town, and water heating is one of the highest energy users in the city’s homes. Cape Town’s Accredited Solar Water Heater Programme promotes installation of solar water heaters amongst middle-class home owners, replacing electric water heaters that are typically responsible for about 40% the electricity used in residences. Lack of trust in suppliers was identified as a main barrier for consumers to install solar water heaters, which the city addressed by vetting providers and accrediting those meeting rigorous standards for competence and customer service.
With steeply rising electricity tariffs, the investment case for solar water heaters is strong. The Accredited Solar Water Heater Programme actively promotes their use through direct marketing, media advertising, social media channels, and a dedicated website providing easy access to practical information. The results thus far have been remarkable, with 5,729 solar water heaters installed in the first 21 months, reducing energy use by 15.9 GWh, and saving residents a total of $2.2 million on utility bills. The attitude towards providers has also changed, with an increase from 32% to 48% of the target audience agreeing that solar water heater installers are trustworthy and competent.
14,000 tons of CO2 reduced per year
The challenge
Cape Town has a high carbon footprint relative to other similar-sized cities, driven by electricity sourced largely from coal-fired power stations. Solar water heaters have the potential to significantly reduce electricity consumption, but recently a national rebate for solar water heaters was suspended. The Accredited Solar Water Heater Programme has successfully addressed the lack of trust in providers, which has spurred the market and increased installation of solar heaters.
Co-benefits
Economic The Accredited Solar Water Heater Programme has contributed $7.7 million to the local economy.
Environmental The use of solar water heaters leads to less coal burned in power plants, reducing air pollution and water use.
Health The installation of solar water heaters reduces the need for coal-fired power plants, which in turn reduces respiratory diseases for residents living near the plants.
Social The installation of solar water heaters under the program has created 158 jobs.
About Cape Town
Cape Town is a coastal city in South Africa. It is the second-most populous urban area in South Africa after Johannesburg. It is also the capital and primate city of the Western Cape province. The city is famous for its harbour, for its natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and for such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa.
