Evaluating greenhouse gas emission reductions by using solar water heaters: A case of low income households in Ekurhuleni, South Africa

• Published in: Physics and chemistry of the earth. Parts A/B/C 2020-04, Vol.116, p.102843, Article 102843
• Main Authors: Mujuru, Munyaradzi, Dube, Timothy, Mabizela, Hlengiwe, Ntuli, Ntombifuthi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy efficiency; Fossil fuels; Greenhouse gas emissions; Solar water heating
• ISSN: 1474-7065; 1873-5193
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pce.2020.102843

This work evaluates and analyses the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction potential of Solar Water Heaters (SWH) in Daveyton, in Ekurhuleni. As an energy intensive country, with its energy mix dominated by fossil-fuel energy sources, South Africa is among the largest emitters of GHGs globally. Consequently, the country made commitments to substantially reduce its carbon footprint from the energy sector, through renewable energy initiatives. A solar water heater programme was subsequently introduced as an initiative to reduce GHG emissions in the residential sector. Objectives of the study were to determine the amount of energy saved and GHG emission reduction through the installation of SWHs; to determine the efficiency and sufficiency of SWHs for the average family; and to determine the contribution of SWHs towards reduction of GHG emissions. These objectives were achieved by conducting a survey in low-income households that were piloted for the SWH installation programme in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. The findings of the study suggested that a total saving of 89.74 kWh of energy per day and reduction of 63.1 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent were achieved through the SWH programme for the entire sample area per day. In conclusion, solar water heating in domestic sector of Ekurhuleni could potentially reduce reliance of households to fossil fuels, thus reducing GHG emissions. •South Africa is among the largest emitters of GHGs globally.•GHG emission reduction potential of solar water heaters (SWHs) is evaluated.•Energy saved and GHG emission reduction through the installation of SWHs is evaluated.•Determining the efficiency and sufficiency of SWHs for the average family.•89.74 kWh of energy and 63.1 kg reduction of CO2 can be achieved by SWH programme.