TECHNICAL
35
Pioneering african-born solar PV smart geyser solution
Edited by
Rory Macnamara
This unique smart geyser system transforms the installation , maintenance , energy efficiency , and overall cost of geysers for property developers , insurers , and households , offering plumbers a growth opportunity to be part of the hot water revolution .
Electrolux South Africa and PowerOptimal today announced the Elon Smart Water Solution , the world ’ s first smart geyser with integrated solar PV capability . With improved efficiency , the locally designed solution reduces cost and risk across the entire hot water and services value chain .
“ We are excited about this new smart and green water heating solution as we believe it will revolutionise the installation , customer experience , maintenance and cost of geysers for property developers , insurers and households alike . Once the Elon Smart Water Solution is widely implemented in the region , the demand will only grow because businesses and consumers will quickly reap the environmental , maintenance and financial benefits ,” said Murray Crow , Managing Director at Electrolux South Africa .
He added , “ We aim to become a global sustainability leader in our product lines , our company constantly seeks solutions that help shape living for the better . The smart hot water solution exemplifies the Electrolux Group ’ s ambition to reduce the carbon footprint of our products and our operations overall .”
Through its sustainability framework , For the Better 2030 , Electrolux is committed to becoming climate neutral across the value chain and globally works at reaching its climate targets . Since 2015 , the company has reported a 70 % reduction in absolute CO2 emissions from operations . The brand aims to develop products and services that enable people to save energy , water , and resources every day while helping to foster a more circular economy . geysers that can be monitored and managed from a mobile phone . “ The Elon Smart Water Solution will change the water heating playing field on the continent and solve several problems that we are facing in terms of high ‘ dirty energy ’ consumption and the soaring cost of electricity .”
Dr . Sean Moolman , Chief Operating Officer at PowerOptimal , commented that 87 % of electricity consumed in South Africa is generated using coal , the most environmentally damaging fossil fuel on the planet . “ The country is one of the biggest polluters in the world in terms of pollution per unit of energy generated . As 40 % of household energy consumption is being used for water heating , there is a major opportunity for managed carbon footprint reduction .”
The Elon Smart Water Solution will be launched during 2022 . PA
Benefits to the Plumber . Smart geyser offering to households Easy installation and fully automated installation Self test – reduces callbacks and errors Better customer experience Opportunity for upselling solar PV add-on Providing a service as a PV technician ( training required ) New business opportunity .
New high-tech solar solution a game-changer Electrolux South Africa , the local market leader in hot water solutions through its Kwikot brand , and PowerOptimal , local manufacturer and developer of the Elon Smart Water Solution , have partnered exclusively to grow the smart hot water market .
All photos by Electrolux
Together they believe that the environmentally sustainable new system will enable reduced electricity bills , access to tax incentives and carbon credits and reduced carbon emissions . The Elon Smart Water Solution will monitor and closely manage geyser performance and energy consumption , as well as provide early alerts to homeowners and insurers in case of water leaks , element failures or other problems .
PowerOptimal ’ s Chief Executive Officer , Richard Fearon , said the solution will transform traditional , old electric geysers into smart , plug-and-play connected
Elon Smart water Unit installed
“ We aim to become a global sustainability leader in our product lines ,….”
April 2022 Volume 28 I Number 2 www . plumbingafrica . co . za