Eskom
IDM
IDM
Eskom Integrated Demand Management with the DMRE
Solar Water Heater Programme
Free or rebated geyser Household < R7,500 / mo Municipal opt-in Cuts Eskom load
One programme, two products
The Solar Water Heater Programme is a national initiative jointly run by Eskom's Integrated Demand Management (IDM) division and the DMRE. It has two distinct product streams. Understand which one applies to your household — they have different eligibility, different costs, and are installed by different contractors.
Low-Pressure vs High-Pressure
Low-Pressure
Free installation
- 100L or 150L capacity
- Gravity-fed unit mounted on roof frame
- Feeds cold water via a tank stand; no municipal water pressure required
- Suitable for RDP, informal, and remote-rural households
- Fully installed by government-appointed contractor at no cost
High-Pressure
Rebate + household contribution
- 150L or 200L capacity
- Feeds directly off municipal water pressure
- Replaces existing electric geyser (swap-out)
- Suitable for formal urban and peri-urban homes with municipal water
- Government pays the largest portion; household contributes 10-30%
Participating municipalities
Uptake depends on whether your municipality has formally opted into the annual SWH implementation plan. If your municipality is not on the plan, the programme cannot deliver there — even if you personally qualify. Municipalities currently active in the 2026 plan include:
City of Cape Town
City of Johannesburg
City of Tshwane
Ekurhuleni
eThekwini
Buffalo City
Nelson Mandela Bay
Mangaung
Msunduzi
Polokwane
Mbombela
Rustenburg
Household eligibility
- Household monthly income below R7,500 (Low-Pressure) or below R15,000 (High-Pressure)
- Home is a permanent structure with a load-bearing roof
- Property is in a participating municipality
- Occupant is the owner or has written owner consent for installation
Why the state cares: a household solar geyser cuts electric-geyser demand by about 60-70%. Each SWH avoids roughly 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ a year and takes about 2.5 kW off Eskom's peak evening load. That is why the state funds it rather than charging you.
How to register
- Contact your municipality's Housing or Environmental Services department to confirm they are on the current SWH plan.
- Fill out the household registration form. Include municipal number, ID copies, and proof of income.
- An accredited SWH contractor conducts a home survey. They verify roof suitability, water pressure (if High-Pressure), and photograph the site.
- Installation is scheduled. Low-Pressure installations take about 4 hours; High-Pressure swaps take a full day.
- Contractor issues a certificate of compliance. Warranty is 5 years on the tank and 2 years on components.
Where to reach Eskom IDM
Eskom customer contact: 0860 037 566. Email [email protected]. Programme overview at Eskom IDM.