Compiled by Tanya Olckers
Gone are the days when South Africans could say they fully rely on electric geysers for hot water.
Solar installation must be carried out by qualified professionals. Supplied by Kwikot
Electricity prices have skyrocketed and the threat of loadshedding means that people are prioritising energy efficiency over upfront costs. People want uninterrupted hot water while cutting their long-term electricity bills.
With this comes a shift in perspective as more South Africans move towards smarter, more efficient water heating systems. As plumbers, you are uniquely placed to guide your clients when it comes to sustainable and cost-effective hot water solutions.
More plumbers are taking a closer look at expanding their expertise in solar-thermal water heating. Not only is this in response to client demand, but plumbers can future proof their businesses while helping clients make informed, long-term investments.
“Investing in an energy-efficient water heating system is no longer just about sustainability—it’s about economic survival,” says Sean Moolman from PowerOptimal, a Kwikot partner. “Loadshedding and rising electricity costs are forcing South Africans to rethink how they heat water, and solar PV water heating is quickly becoming the preferred solution.”
Plumbers who position themselves as experts in solar geysers, heat pumps and high-efficiency electric geysers will not only remain relevant in a changing industry but will also build trust with their clients. By proactively educating homeowners about the financial and practical benefits of alternative energy solutions, plumbers can help them make smarter choices that ensure long-term savings and uninterrupted hot water supply.
“What people must understand is that solar or heat pumps need to be retrofitted onto your current geyser,” says Patrick Gordon, technical manager of Splashworks. “Also, solar relies on the sun for heat, and on overcast days you’re not going to have water that is as warm as it could be.”
Going for a solar-thermal option may entail changing everything. The tank’s size needs to change, as more water will need to be stored.
With loadshedding expected to continue, experts predict that solar PV water heating will see the highest adoption rates over the next 5–10 years. The availability of financing options, such as solar loans, is also making it easier for homeowners to transition to energy-efficient solutions without the burden of high upfront costs.
Roof structure and load bearing must be taken into account. Supplied by Kwikot
“Hot water is often taken for granted until it’s suddenly unavailable,” says Murray Crow, managing director of Kwikot. “Households can make smarter choices by adopting technologies that balance affordability with efficiency.”
The plumbing industry is evolving, and those who adapt will lead the way. With South Africa facing ongoing energy challenges, solar- thermal solutions—solar geysers, heat pumps and solar pumps—are no longer just a niche market but an essential part of the plumbing profession. Plumbers across the country are shifting toward sustainable installations. “At UPP GRP, we’re working alongside industry leaders to ensure a seamless transition into this booming sector,” says Duncan Keil, UPP’s founder. “Solar-thermal is the future of plumbing and plumbers must upskill now to remain competitive.”
Why should plumbers care about solar-thermal?
Load-shedding, skyrocketing electricity costs, and the push for eco-friendly buildings mean traditional electrical water heating is becoming obsolete. South Africa’s National Building Regulations (SANS 10400-XA) now mandate energy-efficient water heating solutions in new buildings, making solar and heat pumps non- negotiable for future-ready plumbers.
But beyond regulations, the business opportunity is massive. Homeowners, businesses and even government projects are actively searching for trained professionals to install and maintain these systems. Expanding into solar thermal is not just about keeping up— it’s about future-proofing your plumbing career.
Alistair Bach from Ariston reminds plumbers that, “Training and qualifications are key here. You must understand the technology and the application of the technology before advising your customer.”
A commercial installation with heat pumps.© Plumbing Africa
What plumbers need to know about solar installations
Diving into solar geyser installations means understanding:
- System selection
- Direct systems: Best for areas with good water quality (no scaling issues)
- Indirect systems: Use glycol to prevent freezing and scaling in hard-water areas
- Correct sizing
- A family of four typically needs a 200ℓ solar water heater, but incorrect sizing leads to inefficiencies and unhappy customers
- Installation best practices
- Panel placement: North-facing, at the correct tilt angle for maximum sun exposure
- Piping and insulation: Proper lagging ensures heat retention and system longevity
- Compliance and certification
- Plumbers must follow SANS 10106 (Solar Water Heater Installations)
- Backup heating
- Most systems need an electric or gas backup element for cloudy days—setting customer expectations is crucial
- Structure of the roof
- Can the roof safely hold the weight of the solar installation or solar geyser? Is the structure stable? Has an inspection of the roof been done before the installation? The last thing your client needs is for a geyser to end up on their dining room table. Making sure that the proper struts are used, at the correct angle, and that the roof can bear the load of the installation is vital.
A solar tube system.© Plumbing Africa
Heat pumps: the unsung hero of energy efficiency
“Heat pumps are easier to retrofit into a geyser,” says Gordon. “There is a great business opportunity for heat pumps.”
Heat pumps extract heat from the surrounding air to warm water 3-4 times more efficiently than standard geysers. These systems are ideal for:
- Homes and businesses needing consistent hot water
- High-volume applications like hotels, gyms and student residences
- Retrofitting onto existing geysers for instant energy savings
- Installation must-knows
- Placement matters—good ventilation is needed to prevent freezing of the evaporator
- Integration with plumbing systems—incorrect setup can cause inefficiencies
- Electrical considerations—some systems require a dedicated power supply
Heat pumps have been around for years, but with Eskom’s instability, their demand is growing. For plumbers, offering heat pump installations alongside solar water heaters creates a hybrid system that ensures maximum energy savings year-round. Remember that heat pumps need to be serviced once a year.
Solar pumps and the future of off-grid water solutions
As South Africa faces ongoing water security issues, solar-powered pumps are becoming a game-changer for homes, farms, and businesses.
What’s available?
- Surface solar pumps are ideal for irrigation and transferring water from shallow sources
- Submersible solar pumps are designed for boreholes and wells, providing a reliable off-grid water supply
- Hybrid AC/DC pumps switch between solar power during the day and grid power at night, ensuring continuous operation
Many leading brands like Lorentz, Grundfos and Franklin Electric now offer advanced MPPT controllers that optimise solar power usage, reducing energy waste and improving performance.
For plumbers, getting involved in solar pump installations means expanding your service offering beyond water heating—tapping into agriculture, remote communities, and commercial sectors.
Solar installations can vary in size depending on needs. © Plumbing Africa
How to get qualified in solar-thermal
For plumbers looking to officially certify in solar and heat pump installations, the following qualifications are essential:
- SANS 10106 (Solar Water Heating) training
- Solar and heat pump courses from IOPSA, Blue Lever Education and TVET colleges
Many suppliers also offer product-specific training, helping plumbers specialise in specific brands.
Why solar-thermal is the next big thing for plumbers
Let’s be blunt—South Africa’s energy and water future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: solar thermal solutions are here to stay.
Plumbers who stay ahead of the curve by upskilling in solar, heat pumps and solar pumps will dominate the industry in the next five to ten years.
More homeowners, businesses, and developers are mandating energy-efficient plumbing solutions, creating a steady demand for skilled professionals.
The opportunities are endless, and those who embrace this shift will not only increase their earning potential but also play a key role in South Africa’s green transition.
“The biggest challenge with solar thermal is not getting qualified and upskilled,” reminds Bach. “The trick is to convince the consumer to upgrade to solar. Once a consumer understands the benefits and cost savings, the cost of the installation won’t seem so steep.”
With technical input from Patrick Gordon, Kwikot, Apollo Solar Technology, Ariston and UPP GRP.
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