Free Solar Water Heaters – As South Africa continues to pursue cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, the government has taken a major step toward energy efficiency by introducing a pilot program for free solar water heaters. Scheduled to begin in September 2025, this initiative will roll out across 8 selected townships, bringing much-needed relief to households struggling with electricity bills and limited access to hot water.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), in partnership with local municipalities and energy efficiency stakeholders, has confirmed this as part of its broader Green Economy Strategy. The solar water heater (SWH) program is aimed at reducing reliance on Eskom’s grid, decreasing carbon emissions, and empowering underprivileged communities with access to sustainable technology.
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This move comes after years of planning, multiple feasibility studies, and increasing demand for practical, on-the-ground energy alternatives. Households that qualify will receive fully installed, maintenance-supported solar geysers — completely free of charge. The pilot project also emphasizes job creation by training local residents to support installation and maintenance, contributing to skill development and long-term employment.
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If you’re living in one of the selected townships, you may be eligible for this opportunity. The application process is simple, and eligibility criteria have been designed to prioritize low-income households, RDP homes, and households with limited access to reliable electricity.
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In this article, we explore the full scope of the program — including the towns involved, benefits, application process, eligibility, and FAQs — so you can see if you qualify and understand what steps to take next.
What is the Free Solar Water Heater Program?
The program is a pilot initiative by the government aimed at increasing access to renewable energy through solar-powered geysers.
- Launch Date: September 2025
- Managed by: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
- Scope: 8 township communities across different provinces
- Goal: Reduce energy bills, promote clean energy, create jobs
Key Benefits of Solar Water Heaters
The use of solar water heaters offers significant benefits for households and the environment alike.
- Cuts down electricity usage by up to 40%
- Reduces monthly utility bills significantly
- Eco-friendly – supports national carbon emission reduction targets
- Low maintenance and long lifespan (10–15 years)
- Enhances property value
- Creates local employment through installation and training
- Easy to install on most rooftops
Selected Townships for the September 2025 Pilot
The pilot project will be conducted in 8 townships across 4 provinces to ensure a wide demographic representation.
| Province | Township Name | Number of Units | Priority Category | Local Partner Municipality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Soweto | 1,200 | Low-Income Homes | City of Johannesburg |
| Eastern Cape | Mdantsane | 800 | RDP Housing Units | Buffalo City Metro |
| Western Cape | Khayelitsha | 950 | Informal Settlements | City of Cape Town |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Umlazi | 1,000 | Low-Income Families | eThekwini Municipality |
| Gauteng | Tembisa | 900 | RDP & Backyard Dwellers | Ekurhuleni Metro |
| Free State | Botshabelo | 700 | Unemployed Households | Mangaung Metro |
| North West | Ikageng | 850 | Mixed-income Homes | Potchefstroom Council |
| Limpopo | Seshego | 600 | Poor Infrastructure | Polokwane Municipality |
Township Selection Criteria
The townships were selected based on energy need, infrastructure compatibility, and community interest.
- High electricity costs in the region
- Dense residential areas with low access to hot water
- Existing support from local municipalities
- Rooftop compatibility and sunlight availability
- Unemployment and job creation potential
Who Qualifies for a Free Solar Water Heater?
To make the program fair and impactful, the DMRE has released specific eligibility criteria.
- Resident of one of the 8 pilot townships
- Household income below R3,500/month
- Registered homeowner or tenant in an RDP or informal home
- No existing solar geyser installed
- Willing to attend brief maintenance training session (optional)
- Consent to monitoring visits for program evaluation
Priority Will Be Given To:
Special categories have been identified for fast-tracked approval.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| RDP Home Residents | Homes built under government housing schemes |
| Elderly and Pensioners | Age 60+ with no steady income |
| Households with Disabled | Families with members who have permanent disabilities |
| Women-Headed Households | Single mothers or grandmothers supporting families |
| Youth-Headed Households | Youth managing household in absence of parents |
| Backyard Dwellers | Tenants living in backyard rooms without geysers |
| Informal Settlement Homes | Non-formal structures with access to the roof space |
How to Apply for the Free Solar Geyser Program
The application process has been designed to be simple and accessible.
- Visit your local municipal office or community center
- Fill out the official Solar Water Heater Application Form
- Submit with the following documents:
- Copy of ID
- Proof of residence (utility bill or letter from ward councilor)
- Proof of income (or affidavit if unemployed)
- Attend a short on-site inspection (conducted by project assessors)
- Await approval within 2–3 weeks
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
This timeline reflects the average process duration for applicants.
| Step | Estimated Duration | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| Form Submission | 1 Day | Applicant |
| Document Verification | 3–5 Business Days | Municipal Staff |
| Home Inspection | 7–10 Business Days | Project Team |
| Approval & Notification | 2–3 Days | DMRE/Local Council |
| Installation Date Booking | 3–5 Days | Installation Contractor |
| Final Installation | 1 Day | Solar Geyser Team |
What Happens After Installation?
Once installed, households will receive user training and support to ensure optimal usage and maintenance of the solar geyser.
Basic User Training Includes:
- How to use the solar water heater correctly
- Do’s and don’ts to maximize geyser efficiency
- Emergency procedures in case of leaks or damage
- Contact info for maintenance support
Post-Installation Support
Households will have access to a toll-free helpline and local technicians for support.
- Free maintenance checks for 12 months
- 5-year warranty on all solar water heater units
- Replacement parts supplied by the DMRE-approved vendors
Additional Notes on Maintenance and Ownership
- Households are not allowed to resell or remove the geyser
- Units will be tracked via serial numbers and digital registry
- After 5 years, ownership of the geyser transfers fully to the homeowner
Safety Guidelines for Use
The solar geysers are safe and low-risk, but basic safety rules apply.
- Avoid tampering with plumbing or electrical components
- Keep children away from hot water outlets
- Report any issues promptly via the support number
FAQs About the Free Solar Water Heater Program
Q1: Who qualifies for solar heaters?
A1: Low-income households only
Q2: When does the pilot start?
A2: September 2025 confirmed
Q3: How many townships involved?
A3: Eight selected townships
Q4: Is the installation free?
A4: Yes, fully government-funded
Q5: How to apply?
A5: Register at local municipality
