Breaking Free from Municipal Dependence: Exploring Sustainable Solutions for a Brighter Future

Erynn
Feb 17, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Mar 17, 2023

To start off the new year, Cyril Ramaphosa has alluded towards more significant use of solar power throughout South Africa in his weekly newsletters. Pricing structures are purportedly in discussion to be established between our national power grid and its customers, who may be entitled to sell excess solar energy back to Eskom. However, we also found out that Nersa will be allowing Eskom to increase energy prices by as much as 18.5% by April 2023. With the entirety of our water system reliant on energy for transportation, treatment and distribution to citizens, these resources are likely to become even more costly, and the direct link between power and water facilities as outlined by BizNews will soon become clearer to many consumers.

Since the authorities have failed annually to deliver the basics for its citizens, along with the water crisis and load-shedding only worsening in 2022, many South Africans have already decided to take matters into their own hands by investing in alternative means for power and water in their homes and businesses. This transition toward alternative resources is however, a luxury that not all can afford - let alone afford to do wrong!

We want to help you to make sure that: you are getting the most out of your money; that your money and assets are protected; and that ultimately you are able to add value to your assets through this kind of investment.

Solar

With most of Africa boasting year-round sunshine, and the average sunlight per year surpassing 2500 hours in Southern Africa, it is a head-scratcher why this natural resource has not been utilised to its potential by our government and municipalities.

Privately, it is more understandable to have hindrances, since the initial investment to install solar power can range from R150-350K - a bit heftier than your monthly utility bill. However, there are plenty of options and pricing plans for individuals out there offered by banks, FSPs and solar and IT installation companies, such as:

Adding the installation cost to your home loan through your bank or home loan provider,
Using a lump sum from an investment or your personal savings,
Financing options (such as rent-to-own) are offered by some solar companies, or bank loans that are specifically geared towards financing backup energy systems, or
Subscription services, offered by some solar companies, where a monthly fee is paid for solar-powered services.

The cost of solar batteries is the most expensive piece in this process, but Property.CoZa details that the outlay of these funds can be made back in municipal power savings over 7-8 years of installation. On top of this, the resale value of your property will increase considerably, and corporates will be able to benefit from tax deductions since their installation will qualify for carbon tax savings. For individuals, tax rebates are an option specifically for solar panels, but the process is more complicated and has a few limitations - but hey, it will still keep the lights on! This article by Moonstone provides a great break-down regarding tax rebates for installing home solar panels.

Water

What South Africa makes up for with its solar coverage, it lacks in rainfall quantity - which is less than half the annual global average, ranking us as one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, according to Farmer's Weekly. This, coupled with the damage that constant power outages have caused to our (already poorly maintained) pipes and water infrastructure, has resulted in additional municipal water supply and distribution issues, and has left many South Africans feeling periodically helpless.

The investment that most locals have turned to here is the JoJo tank, which has become a common household name in South Africa.

These are water storage tanks that can be used to store water from rainfall or other sources, and then for your daily water needs. If you are considering installing a water storage tank, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind, such as:

Tank placement on your property
Type and size of tank required for your needs
Tank accessories, such as taps, filters and pumps (dependent on the above, as well as your budget)

JoJos (or any water storage tanks) seem to be the most affordable way to harvest, store and reuse water in whichever way is best for you and your property's needs - whether that be collecting and storing water for periods of time when we are left without municipal water, or just harvesting rainwater for garden-use. Rain Harvest has a useful calculator that can help you determine how much rain water could be harvested from your rooftop, and whether this will be enough for your needs. However, to go completely 'off-grid' for water, it is likely that you would need to install a borehole, for which you will be charged for drilling, piping and casing per meter into the ground, as well as pump and electrical costs. Because groundwater is found at different depths (and sometimes not at all) in different locations, the cost can start from as low as R20K, and range into hundreds of thousands - making your own property research and budget the most important aspects if you were to consider the decision to start drilling.

Other Means up our Sleeve

Our office is privileged to have a relationship with Bohmer Tech, who are IT experts in many areas, including power back-up solutions! They can assess your current system, and give you a run-down of what type of systems you could opt for to match your needs and expectations for power supply, as well as providing an expected amount you would be looking at spending for these systems. Bohmer Tech also offer solar options for those wanting to use greener means, and will take care of everything on the IT side - "helping you to get your system ready for load-shedding, and potentially off-grid".

By investing in different types of energy and water conservation products, those who can afford to install their own supply source/s could play an important role in improving access to energy and clean water for others, and helping to establish water and energy security for the country, while also supporting local businesses and reducing carbon emissions. If you have taken the step to use any alternate means of power generation or water supply, we would love to hear your feedback and opinions based on your experience, and to open a discourse of encouragement in the comments for those who are thinking of making this adjustment, but aren't too sure of where to start.

Or, if you are already researching or thinking of branching into cleaner, alternate resources, we would love to be your guide through the bugdeting and financing aspect, to ensure that you can have a more comfortable life without jeopardising your current income or financial future.