Convert Your Electric Geyser to Solar: Free Quotes from Local Installers
Free quotes from solar geyser and PV geyser installers across South Africa. One request, no obligation.
A solar geyser conversion turns the electric geyser you already have into one that is heated by the sun, usually with a retrofit kit or with solar panels that power the element. SolarPanel.co.za is a free quote service. You send one request and independent installers in your area quote you directly. We do not sell kits or do the work ourselves, and there is no fee or obligation. This page explains your options so you can ask for the right quote.
Two ways to convert an existing geyser
There are two common routes, and installers will recommend one depending on your home.
- Solar thermal retrofit: collectors on the roof heat water that circulates to your existing tank, usually with a pump and controller. Your old geyser becomes the storage and backup.
- PV geyser (solar panels for geyser): photovoltaic panels feed a controller that runs the geyser element directly, often through a special DC or hybrid element, with no water pipes on the roof.
The PV route is simpler on the roof and suits homes where a thermal system would be hard to fit, while thermal systems tend to collect heat more directly. A site visit usually settles which is best.
Is my geyser suitable for conversion?
Not every geyser can be converted. The installer will look at several things.
- Age and condition of the tank. A geyser near the end of its life may be better replaced with a new solar geyser.
- Whether it is a horizontal roof-space geyser or a vertical one, and whether it has a second port for a heat exchanger.
- Pressure rating, valves and the state of the drip tray and pipework.
- Roof orientation, shade and the distance between the roof and the geyser.
Insulating the tank and hot pipes is often part of the job, because heat saved is energy you don't have to produce.
Compliance, safety and warranty
Retrofit work still has to meet the rules. Plumbing should be done by a plumber registered with PIRB, and thermal work follows SANS 10106. Electrical connections, controllers and the PV wiring need a registered electrician and an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) under SANS 10142-1. PV panels and cabling should follow SANS 10142-1-2.
A pressure valve, vacuum breakers and a drip tray must be fitted or checked. Ask how the conversion affects the geyser's warranty, because some manufacturers do not support modifications. Tell your insurer, and check with your body corporate if you live in a complex. For more about getting the work done, see solar geyser installation.
What affects the price of a conversion
A conversion kit price varies a lot, so we do not list one. Installers will quote based on:
- Which method you choose and the number of panels or collectors.
- Geyser size, age and whether it needs replacing or new elements.
- Controllers, pumps, sensors and cabling.
- Roof type and the distance between roof and geyser.
- Plumbing and electrical certificates, and travel.
If you plan to expand to a full home system later, mention it, and look at home solar systems. Compare at least two quotes on the same scope.
What to include in your request
- Age, size and type of your current geyser
- Where the geyser sits relative to the roof
- Roof material, shade and orientation
- Preference for thermal or PV conversion
- Any warranty or body corporate conditions
Solar Geyser Conversion at different properties
- Family homes: a retrofit or PV kit fitted to the family home's existing geyser without replacing the tank
- Estate homes: a low-profile conversion with panels placed to satisfy the estate's design guidelines
- Townhouses and flats: a PV geyser with a few panels, often easier than roof pipework in a sectional title complex
- Farms, smallholdings and lodges: conversions of farmhouse and worker housing geysers where mains power is unreliable or expensive to extend
- Shops, offices and schools: adding panels or collectors to an existing hot water cylinder in a restaurant, clinic or guesthouse
- Factories and warehouses: retrofitting solar heating to large hot water tanks used for staff facilities and washdown
Frequently asked questions
Does SolarPanel.co.za convert geysers to solar?
Can any electric geyser be converted to solar?
What is a PV geyser?
Do I need an electrical certificate for a conversion?
Solar Geyser Conversion by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Lephalale
- Kimberley
- Kathu
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
More solar products and services
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Inverters & batteries
Solar geysers & pool heating
Solar pumps & lights
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