Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa Creating a Sustainable Solar Water Heating Industry in SA

Presentation Outline Introduction to SESSA Key success areas/ lessons Threats, challenges and opportunities for action 5 Key thematic questions/issues Economic implications Policy and governance requirements Concluding remarks Recommendations for Green Economy Plan

Introduction MISSION The mission of SESSA is the creation and continued growth of an authoritative renewable energy forum, in Southern Africa OBJECTIVES To promote and increase the use of renewable energy with informal education, demonstration and information dissemination to end-users and other decision makers of all levels; To establish the society as the main regional information centre in close co- operation with similar initiatives; To facilitate in the creation and maintenance of appropriate standards for products, systems or methods and training. For this purpose SESSA maintains a close relationship with it’s various divisions, one of which is the Solar Water Heating Division

Introduction MEMBERS INCLUDE Manufacturers Importers Distributors Installers Training Providers Researchers Consultants MEMBERSHIP 2007 membership = 15 members 2010 membership = 250 paid up members and +450 including latest applicants

Introduction

How to create a Sustainable Solar Water Heating Industry to best serve all stakeholders and in doing so promote a green economy?

Key success areas/ lessons 2009 – New Portfolio Driven Committee Finance & Membership Complaints & Compliments In-house & Legal Standards Education & Training Communications Associations Government & Parastatals Banks & Insurers

Threats and Challenges Management Committee works on a voluntary basis Membership Fees alone cannot cover the cost of a permanent Management Team acting on behalf of industry  No permanent SESSA staff  No permanent home (office & demonstration facility)

Opportunities for action Amend membership categories to include:  Platinum (Gov or Parastatal)  Gold (Banks, Insurers, Corporates)  Silver (SWH Companies)  Bronze (Installers)  Other (Individual, NGO, Student) Employ management team to implement Business Plan

5 Key thematic questions/issues How can we create a strong and sustainable Solar Industry Body  Information and Demonstration Centre  Promote Solar Technologies through Education and Information Dissemination  Incubator for new industry members (training)  Market information  Research and Development Hub

Economic implications There are +400 companies operating in the SWH space (mostly SME) – people from sales to administration and installation SWH currently attract a 15% import duty Component codes need to be defined Potential for local production subject to increased demand

Policy and governance requirements SANS204 to become mandatory for all new builds (Energy Efficient Building Standard) All failed geysers to be replaced by energy efficient water heaters as per SANS204 Offset cost of solar water heater against personal income tax - Plastic Bag, Electricity, Vehicle (new cars), Environmental (Incandescent Bulbs) Levy and Vehicle Emissions Tax (Sept 2010) Reduce trade barriers on imports for X years in order to increase demand and justify local mass production

Concluding remarks Without a strong Sustainable Energy Industry Body, the potential for a successful industry development and technology rollout is diminished!

Recommendations Government to authorize and commit short, medium and long term funding towards the support of SESSA Funding would go towards the development of a Solar Info Centre (home for SESSA) from which all goals and objectives could be achieved

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