Save money, beat load shedding, and go green with expertly installed solar geysers in Johannesburg.
At Plumbing Johannesburg, we specialize in the supply, installation, maintenance, and repair of high-performance solar geyser systems tailored to your home or business. Whether you’re upgrading from an electric geyser or building a new energy-efficient property, we’re here to help you choose the perfect solution.
Why Choose Solar Geysers?
South Africans are increasingly turning to solar energy to lower electricity bills and reduce their dependence on the grid. Here’s why:
Up to 60% Electricity Savings On Water Heating
Reliable Hot Water During Load Shedding
Eco-Friendly & Long-Term Sustainability
Long-Term Investment With Minimal Maintenance
How A Solar Geyser Works
A solar geyser uses the sun’s energy to heat water, helping you save on electricity while reducing reliance on the power grid. Here’s how the system works, step-by-step:
Basic Working Principle
Solar geysers use solar thermal energy, not solar panels (PV). The system collects heat from the sun using a solar collector, then transfers that heat to the water in a storage tank.
Key Components:
Solar Collector:
Mounted on the roof, it absorbs sunlight and heats up. Types: Flat plate collector or evacuated vacuum tubes
Storage Tank:
Stores the heated water. It can be mounted on the roof (thermosiphon) or inside the home (split-pumped)
Circulation Mechanism:
Thermosiphon systems (no pump is needed) or Split-pumped systems (small electric pump)
Backup Element (Optional):
An electric element inside the tank that heats water during cloudy days or when hot water demand is high
How It Heats Water:
- Sunlight hits the collector.
- The collector heats up, transferring heat to the water inside or around it.
- Hot water rises to the top of the tank (in thermosiphon) or is pumped into the tank (in split systems).
- Cold water is cycled back to the collector to be reheated.
- You access the hot water through your normal taps or shower.
On Cloudy Days Or At Night:
- A backup electric element ensures there’s always hot water, even when there’s little to no sunlight.
- Smart controllers regulate temperature and switch between solar and electric heating if needed.
Direct vs. Indirect Solar Geysers
The two solar geyser types: Direct & Indirect
Direct systems heat the actual water you use, while indirect systems use a separate fluid to transfer heat to your water. Here’s a clear comparison:
Direct Solar System
(Open Loop)
How It Works
- Water from the geyser (the same water you use in your taps) circulates directly through the solar collector.
- The sun heats this water in the collector, and it then flows into the storage tank ready for use.
Key Features
- Simple design – no heat exchanger or antifreeze
- Highly efficient in sunny, warm climates
- Lower cost to install and maintain
- Better suited for frost-free regions
Limitations
- Not ideal for areas with freezing temperatures
- Water quality (e.g., scale or corrosion) can affect system lifespan
Best Suited For
- Johannesburg and other parts of South Africa with mild winters and little risk of frost
Indirect Solar System
(Closed Loop)
How It Works
- A heat transfer fluid (usually a glycol-based antifreeze solution) circulates through the solar collector.
- This fluid absorbs heat from the sun and passes through a heat exchanger in the tank, which heats the water indirectly.
Key Features
- Protected against freezing – ideal for cold climates
- Suitable for areas with poor water quality
- Slightly higher installation and maintenance cost
- Extra components like heat exchangers, and expansion tanks
Limitations
- Lower efficiency due to the heat exchange step
- Requires regular checks of the antifreeze fluid and circulation components
Best Suited For
- High-altitude or colder parts of South Africa (e.g., Free State, Drakensberg regions)
Thermosiphon vs. Split-Pumped Configured Solar Geysers
The two solar geyser configurations: Thermosiphon and Split-Pumped
These differ primarily in design, installation configuration, and how they circulate water. Here’s a clear comparison:
Thermosiphon
(Direct & Indirect)
How It Works
- Operates on natural convection , where hot water rises and cold water sinks. The solar collector and storage tank are mounted together, usually on the roof.
- As the sun heats the water in the collector, it rises into the tank above, while cooler water from the tank flows down to be heated.
Key Features
- No pump required – relies on gravity and temperature difference
- Simple design, fewer moving parts
- More cost-effective and easier to maintain
- Requires the tank to be mounted above the collector—usually visible on the roof
Limitations
- Aesthetic concerns – tank is visible on the roof.
- Limited flexibility – requires the tank to be above the collector to function properly.
Best Suited For
- Homes with pitched roofs and enough structural strength to support the tank
- Clients who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness
Split-Pumped
(Direct Only)
How It Works
- The solar collector is installed on the roof, while the storage tank is placed elsewhere (e.g., inside the roof or inside a utility room).
- A circulation pump is used to move water between the collector and the tank. This is all based on temperature sensors.
Key Features
- More flexible installation – tank can be hidden indoors or at ground level
- Aesthetically pleasing – nothing bulky on the roof
- Slightly higher cost and more complex maintenance
Limitations
- A more complex system – requires a pump, controller, and sensors.
- Higher initial cost and slightly more maintenance than thermosiphon.
- Relies on electricity for the pump (can be solar-powered or battery-backed).
Best Suited For
- Homes with flat roofs or modern roofs where the tank can’t be mounted externally.
- Clients looking for cleaner aesthetics or custom placement of the geyser tank
System Selection Made Easy
Our plumbers perform on-site evaluations and guide you through selecting the most affective system for your needs and budget.
Some Considerations
Choosing the right solar geyser depends on:
Household Size & Water Usage
Roof Structure & Orientation
Available Space
Water Pressure & Setup
Solar Geyser Maintenance & Repairs
Keep your system running at peak performance year-round.
Need Urgent Repairs?
Call us for same-day emergency callouts in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.
Our Maintenance Services Include:
Annual System Check-Ups
Controller & Pump Inspections
System Flushing & Descaling
Glycol Replenishment
FAQS
Do solar geysers work during load shedding?
Yes. As long as there is sunlight, your system will heat water. We also install systems with electric backup elements for cloudy days.
How long does a solar geyser last?
With proper maintenance, systems can last 10–15 years or more.
Can I convert my existing geyser?
Absolutely! We offer retrofit kits to turn your current geyser into a solar-powered one.