The solar geyser is fitted with an electrical thermostat and element, which will heat the water if there are no solar rays.

Geysers manufactured to SABS standards are strictly controlled in terms of their standing heat loss and the insulation requirements are regulated by SANS 151 (SANS – South African National Standards). The maximum allowable heat loss for a 150lt capacity geyser (most common geyser size) is 1,377kW per 24 hours at a stored water temperature

Fitting a geyser blanket will save on electricity but the saving is minimal. The saving will be more noticeable in winter months when the temperature in the roof plummets. Tests have shown that this has the potential to save up to 20% of the 2.6kW of electricity required to reheat the water if the

It is advisable to contact an electrical merchant (store) to find out about the different makes of timer switches and the size should be no less than 20 Amps. Ensure that the timer has a spring reserve or battery to prevent time loss during load shedding.

The ideal setting for a thermostat is 50 to 55 degrees in summer and 60 to 65 degrees in winter. The setting should never be lower than 50 degrees as will promote bacterial growth in the water.

People regularly ask if it's detrimental to switch the geyser on and off all the time. This would have no adverse effect as the geyser has a mechanical thermostat that is constantly switching on and off by nature of its operation.