Solar Water Pumps and Eskom Rebate

Some months ago Eskom  launched a rebate scheme for renewable energy technologies as an incentive to reduce demand on the electricity grid. In terms of the Eskom scheme ( called Standard Offer Programme or SOP ) the system must replace an existing grid connection/supply therefore substituting energy that would have been drawn from the grid. The agricultural sector is included in the scheme and therefore solar powered water pumps which displace grid electricity can qualify.

Initially project sizes of 10KW (based on 16-hour daily average) or more will be considered ( with a maximum of 1MW), but smaller applications may follow in due course according to Eskom. At the 10KW-plus level, larger solar water pumping applications such as irrigation, community water supply and larger live stock watering applications that currently use grid electricity, would be candidates for solar water pumps and the rebate scheme. The Lorentz PS4000 submersible pumps and  PSK submersible and surface solar water pumps could be well suited for projects in this segment.

The rebate rate is currently set at R1.20 per kwh over a 3-year period, with a disbursement as per SOP rules ( 70% on commissioning, there after 10% at end of years 1,2 and 3). An M &V ( Measurement and Verification) procedure will apply, which may include a 2-3 months baseline study to determine the projected energy savings over the 3 years and thus the overall rebate amount. Over and above the rebate there is of course also the cost savings on grid electricity that would have been spent.

There are procedural and technical requirements that have to be complied with when applying for a rebate. Further information on the scheme can be found on the Eskom IDM ( Integrated Demand Manangment) website www.eskomidm.co.za