Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers for frequently asked questions you might have.
What is a Solar Geyser Retrofit?
We convert your existing geyser to solar and here’s how it works. First, we’ll find the perfect system for your needs. Then, we’ll place our solar thermic panel on your roof that heats water directly from the sun. Finally we seamlessly plug in to your existing geyser. It’s that simple.
How does a Solar Geyser Retrofit work?
Evacuated Tubes (EVT): The system consists of evacuated tubes installed on the roof or another suitable location with good sunlight exposure. These evacuated tubes contain a heat-absorbing materials.
Cold Water Circulation: Cold water from your existing geyser is circulated through the manifold at the bottom of the evacuated tubes via a pump powered by a small photovoltaic panel. This proofs the system from load-shedding
Solar Absorption: As sunlight strikes the evacuated tubes, the heat-absorbing material inside absorbs solar energy. This absorbed energy heats the water circulating through the manifold.
Natural Convection: As the water inside the manifold absorbs heat, it becomes lighter and rises due to natural convection. The heated water flows upward through the manifold into the storage tank.
Smart Controller: The system is controlled by a smart controller, which regulates the flow of water from the collector to the geyser. Additionally, it manages the water level via a solenoid valve and allows for comprehensive user and remote monitoring of the solar system and geyser temperatures. The smart controller also enables setting smart backups to optimize comfort and savings.
Backup Heating Element: The existing electric heating element in the geyser provides additional heating during periods of limited sunlight or high hot water demand.
Distribution: Once heated, the hot water is available for distribution throughout the household’s plumbing system, supplying hot water to taps, showers, and appliances as needed.
Summary: This system, controlled by a smart controller, utilizes a pump powered by a small photovoltaic panel to circulate water through the evacuated tubes to your own gesyer, providing an efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced solution for water heating.
How much will I save if I purchase a system?
How much will I net save with rent to own?
How does rent to own work? Are there escalations?
Aqua Therma offers unique rent to own packages for a low deposit, starting at R2500 with guaranteed fixed rental (no escalations!) for 60 months that from day one is cash flow positive. For example our 24 EVT system rents to own for R580pm and will save you R1010pm from month one! Your savings rise as Eskom inflation rises with 5 year net savings estimated at R36k net of deposit and monthly rental. After 60 months you have either the option of buying out the system for a minimal 15% of the original retail price or continuing at ½ the monthly rental.
Rent to own is worry free with Aqua Therma taking care of your system with no callout fees or hidden costs. With the rent to own payments out of the way your savings multiply and your system with its 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee and expected 15 to 20 year lifetime shielding you from further electricity price rises and load shedding worries!
Can I pay with installments?
Yes you can! We offer 6 month and 12 month installment options with very low fees:
How soon can I have it installed and how long does it take?
We can usually book in an installation within a week to 10 days depending on stock availability. It normally takes half a day to install for most installations. Installations are fully guaranteed by Aqua Therma and the solar system has a 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee with Gauteng offices
Which areas of South Africa are serviced?
At present we install and service the Gauteng region. There can be exceptions made based on certain circumstances and an extra charge for kilometres travelled
What if I have multiple gesyers in my household?
We can certainly help you! Multiple geysers can normally be connected for minimal costs into a combined solar system which works more efficiently and costs less than separate systems. See link for details:
Why are Aqua Therma’s solar geyser retrofits better than competitor systems?
Enhanced Efficiency:
While competitor systems, such as those offered by Kwikot or Solar Guru, rely on indirect methods with an intermediate fluid that can lose heat, our direct sun-to-water system ensures maximum savings and durability.
Advanced Overheating Prevention:
Our manufacturer’s system incorporates a unique cooling system absent in competitor offerings. Unlike systems that need to be undersized to avoid overheating issues, resulting in inconsistent water temperatures, our right-sized systems maximize energy efficiency and savings with much more consistent hot water year-round.
https://aquatherma.co.za/why-aqua-thermas-solar-systems-wont-overheat-unlike-other-systems/
Cutting-Edge Smart Controller: AquaTrac
Aqua Therma’s AquaTrac next-generation smart controller provides sophisticated management of solar water heating systems. Offering online and offline monitoring, customizable smart, thermostatically controller backup settings, and real-time data display, AquaTrac ensures optimal system performance, savings and comfort. Additional features such as Night Solar optimization and a pump “siesta” option further enhance energy efficiency. Aqua Therma’s remote monitoring simplifies service calls.
https://aquatherma.co.za/why-are-aqua-thermas-aquatrac-solar-system-controllers-so-advanced/
Long-Lasting Quality: Ten-Year Warranty
Our high-quality product, equipped with an anti-overheating mechanism and free of intermediate fluids, guarantees longevity. Designed to endure for 15, 20 years, and beyond, our systems come standard with a ten-year manufacturer’s warranty, far surpassing competitors’ warranties of only 2 – 5 years.
Fantastic Service and Aftercare:
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and aftercare, setting a benchmark in the industry for installation quality and customer support. With dozens of verified 5-star reviews on platforms like Google Maps and Facebook, our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction.
Google Maps Reviews:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DPuYxjZRsVhsHnmv9
Facebook Reviews:
Can I see some customer reviews or testimonials?
Certainly, we have numerous and without fail, glowing reviews about our product, service and aftercare. Most of these clients are very happy to speak to you about it, you can choose any at random and just ask! Please see:
Google Maps Reviews:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DPuYxjZRsVhsHnmv9
Facebook Reviews:
Google Reviews
Gerhard van Vuuren2024-03-19Thank you, AquaTherma Investments, Cameron and his team - you are the best. Thank you for helping us save money on our utility bill. The retrofit geyser system is the best in getting a "Hybrid" system going.
keegan visser2024-02-29In January of this year I had a retrofit solar geyser installed at my residence by Aqua Therma and I couldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish, the process was smooth and efficient. The installation team at Aqua Therma was highly professional, knowledgeable, and courteous throughout the entire installation process. Not only did Cameron and team provide excellent customer service, but the quality of the installation itself was beyond any of my own expectations. The solar geyser is not only providing reliable and efficient hot water for me and my family, I've already noticed a significant decrease in my electricity usage. I've also noticed a reduction in my monthly electricity bill. I would highly recommend Aqua Therma for anyone considering a solar geyser installation. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them stand out in the industry. Thank you to the Cameron and the team.
Ayasanga Mini2024-02-09They have an incredible product highly recommendable
Wiehan Kallmeyer2024-02-05Amazing service from the whole Aqua Therma team. They had a big ask from our business and they went above and beyond our needs. Thanks for the great service and great product!
Ernest Lekalakala2023-12-31I highly recommend AQUATHERMA Investments due to their great and professional experience with the installation of solar geyser systems. Their work seem to be excellent as observed from the beginning when I had a good and informative interaction with Mr Cameron (Manager) on how the solar system works until he could dispatch his professional team of specialists to site for implementation and execution of the project as required by myself as a client. Mr Cameron also offered me a good return on investment quote which I ultimately had to accept for the installation of 42 EVT solar tubes with a smart remote monitoring system called aquatrac system. To be precise, their meticulous work performance was very impressive until the project got completed. I saw it fit to put it on record that this system works perfectly fine as supported by their after-sales service which they still provide in the usage of the solar geyser remote monitoring system-dashboard system. Highly recommended and you cannot go wrong with their service. Happy Client, Ernest Lekalakala
Thermofisher Scientific2023-10-30I've installed a 42 tube system. Very happy overall with performance and aftersales. Cameron is a very knowledgeable person and very helpful. He is always willing to assist wherever he can. I have seen a tremendous decline in electrical bills. Thank you, Cameron and Aqua Therma Investment.
luxolo luxolo2023-10-19
Charlene Snyman2023-10-14Aqua Therma Investments are the best. I installed a solar gesyer, and I am so grateful for them helping me save money on my electricity bill. Excellent Service
ernest Oliphants2023-09-30I installed a 200 litre solar geyser with 20 EVT tubes in August 2022. For the whole year i was struggling to get Kwikot to resolve my water heating challenges without success. Even on a good sunny day in summer, i would get nothing more that 15 degrees increase in water temperature. In August 2023, i contacted Aqua Therma with my problem and they assured me that they have a solution for me. They installed additional 18EVT tubes to my existing installation, and i was assured that i will no longer struggle with hot water. My experience to date, my geyser back up system is no longer switched on the full scheduled time anymore. At most, the electricity back up will switch on for less than 45 minutes and my water is hot and sufficient for the whole family. Prior to Aqua Therma installation, my geyser was always on electricity back up because the solar was not heating up the water efficiently. I was also advices to install the Ubertrac monitoring system which is linked to my home wifi. Now i can check the performance of my geyser anywhere in the world. What impressed me the most was that, after installation, Aqua Therma will monitor the performance of your geyser daily via the internet. Any possible adjustments required, they will advice you and help you through the understanding of how the system operates. They even insulated my geyser and pipes for me to prevent heat loss. I am so impressed by their service and i would recommend aqua therma anytime because i have seen value in their services. The Director of the company, Cameron, monitored my system daily and was always available when clarity is sought. The sweet part of all this, their rates are so reasonable and i am so happy with their services.
Charlotte Jones2023-09-26Highly highly recommended. Cameron and his team provided excellent service from start to finish. From day one I was given adequate information to make a decision to do the conversion. Cameron followed up and even had a video chat with my husband to explain the system. His quick response on messages are absolutely amazing. And the best of it all is that we could see a massive improvement on our electricity use in only 2 weeks. By now we would have needed to buy more electricity, but with this conversion we have more than enough units remaining for the rest of the month.
Facebook Reviews
recommends
Gerhard van Vuuren2024-03-19I can highly recommend Aqua Therma, the team together with Cameron ensures for a professional installation - we halved the expense on our utility bill.recommends
Wiehan Kallmeyer2024-02-05Amazing service from the whole Aqua Therma team. They had a big ask from our business and they went above and beyond our needs. Thanks for the great service and great product!recommends
Elliot Meyer2023-11-09This was by far one of my best investments.Aqua Therma installed 24 Panels for me 4 months ago and since then my electricity bill was cut by half.What is even more satisfying is the continuous care .recommends
Mlungisi Shabangu2023-10-02Since installing a solar geyser from Aqua Therma, my electricity bill has halved. The system comes with an app on which I monitor how much hot water is available anytime. God's sun makes boiling hot water, no price increases!recommends
Muzette Moose Pretorius2023-09-13I can highly recommend Aqua Therma to convert your current geyser to Solar - Cameron and his team provided us with excellent service from start to finish. Deola, who was my first point of contact was such a friendly and informative representative of this new company. We decided to convert our current geyser to Solar after being without power for 10 days due to our mini substation being vandalised ( still no power 3 weeks later ) The 30 tube system is working perfectly - Our water is in fact hotter than usual and warms up much quicker than before. We received 4 quotes to convert our geyser, and although all prices were very similar, we were very pleased with Aqua Therma's product and service. Thank you Cameron and Team!recommends
Kamohelo Royce Mphale2023-09-05My mother brought a solar system from Aqua therma and ever since we have hot water and it saves us cost from the electric bill and we enjoy the solar system. Aqua Therma all the way.recommends
Manie Van Rooyen2023-08-19We converted both geysers in our house to solar with the help from Aqua Therma. Very happy with it and even though I expected that we would have had to change habits in using hot water it was not required. Cameron's assistance with taking me through the application to manage the geysers' heating if required was very helpful.recommends
Dustin Stringfellow2023-08-16Recently had a solar installation done by AquaTherma and am very happy with the service and professionalism. The system is working extremely well and is easy to configure based on individual requirements. Great ability to monitor performance and I would highly recommend to anyone looking for cost savings and less reliability on Eskom Dustin Bryanstonrecommends
Alan Scholefield2023-08-14Great system, took some time getting used to, but working well. Definitely a cost saving device!