18 FEATURES
6. 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.
Image by Kwikot
Roof structure and load bearing must be taken into account.
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.
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
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.”
What plumbers need to know about solar installations Diving into solar geyser installations means understanding: 1. System selection o
o
Direct systems: Best for areas with good water quality( no scaling issues)
2. Correct sizing o
Indirect systems: Use glycol to prevent freezing and scaling in hard-water areas
A family of four typically needs a 200l solar water heater, but incorrect sizing leads to inefficiencies and unhappy customers
3. Installation best practices
o
o
Panel placement: North-facing, at the correct tilt angle for maximum sun exposure Piping and insulation: Proper lagging ensures heat retention and system longevity
4. Compliance and certification o
5. Backup heating o
Plumbers must follow SANS 10106( Solar Water Heater Installations)
Most systems need an electric or gas backup element for cloudy days— setting customer expectations is crucial
A solar tube system
Image by © Plumbing Africa www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2025 Volume 31 I Number 03