Why can’t preserving our Planet be profitable as well?
It can be, when you partner with a company that has the intellect needed to deliver profitable
solar energy solutions countrywide. At SolarTech, we serve your energy needs by providing
dependable solar energy solutions backed by a network of companies committed to results and
focussing on what each is best at, to ensure a fluid and specialised solution for your customers.
We pride ourselves in meeting customers’ needs by using the power of the Sun to increase
return on investment, freeze power costs and improve profitability.
Background
With the advent of Climate change policies, Solartech’s Holding Company Carbonethics (Pty) Ltd
was formed, with its primary goal being the Reduction and Offsetting of “Green House Gas
Emissions” into what has become a fragile atmosphere. With a systematic methodology in
taking companies to Carbon Neutral, it became apparent that the methodical and consistent
application of solar technology was essential, and thus SolarTech Energy Technologies was
created.
Current energy providers in South Africa are struggling to keep up with the ever increasing demand, thus opening the door for entrepreneurs to become part of the solution.
SolarTech was created with a simple mandate –to develop a brand that would patiently develop
the required systems and expertise needed to position itself as the market leader in Southern
Africa within 3 years of inception. After 4 years of relevant research, over 1000 residential
installations and the implementation of systems, SolarTech have developed a business system
and the relevant relationships enabling us to roll out a successful business model within Southern
Africa. Thus, SolarTech was developed drawing on various talents and core competencies, such
as marketing, technical, R&D and legal expertise to develop a business with a focused strategy
to educate and challenge the consumer to the obvious advantages of solar energy.
Company Profile
SolarTech was created in 2006 by a growing team of passionate professionals, who after
extensive research into the South African Solartech industry and prompted by an inevitable
energy crisis, determined that there was a vacuum in the market in respect to a consistent
technical consultancy focused on the installation of effective renewable energy solutions to suit
both the public and private sectors.
Through our growing national network, we provide an informed consultation in respect to
simple and effective solutions with regards to energy efficiency in commercial and residential
property, ahead of what must be seen as inevitable legislation.
SolarTech understands the need to educate and inform the South African public to the
advantages of renewable energy, in particular the development of solar energy, and support
SESSA in their continued and valued contribution to the long term initiative.
Our goal is to develop public confidence in our brand, to provide a creative solution to all South
African’s wishing to explore the obvious advantages of solar energy, and thus contribute to the
development of a new "low carbon economy". It is possible to enjoy renewable energy with no negative effect to savings accounts.
Associations
- SESSA Solar water heating division
- ESKOM DSM Programme
- Watersmith Training Academy
- PIRB (Plumbing Industry Regulation Board)
- GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa)
- GCX (Global Carbon Exchange)
- Platbos Reforestation Project
- SASSA (Solar Academy Sub Saharan Africa)
- Solcom (Online Publicity Engine)
Business Objectives
The business objective will be achieved through the establishment of a successful dealer
network of SolarTech partners throughout Sub Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific, each office
Independently adhering to the standard operating procedures developed in accordance to
recognised good business practices and strict operating guidelines.
One Voice One Goal One Vision
Main Services
SolarTech introduces consultation and installation of SolarTech water heating systems
to both the Public and Private Sector. These solutions vary from client to client
dependant on individual needs.
Market Potential
On the edge of an energy crisis, a warming climate and ahead of inevitable legislation, less than
0, 001% of South African’s use solar water heater in their homes and businesses, the market
potential is obvious.
Why is Eskom supporting the programme?
Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan says government is in favour of Eskom’s proposed
tariff hike as there are no other alternatives.
Eskom announced on Tuesday its annual price hikes of 45 percent for the next three years. That
takes an average suburban home bill from around R1000 a month to R3000.
Hogan says this is necessary in order to secure electricity supply in the future. “If we do need to provide energy for the future, this is the pain we have to take as the economy
and as South Africans. We have been sitting for months going through every possible option on
this,” says Hogan.
The minister says the reality is that a tariff increase is necessary. “We would not be imposing this if there was not an absolute necessity to secure energy for the
future,” says Hogan.
She says government will subsidise a proposed increased electricity tariff rates for the poor.“ There are going to be special provisions for poor people so they do not have to carry the brunt
this increase and government will be subsidising as well."There are four main reasons for the
solar water heating programme:
According to energy experts, water heating accounts for 30%- 50% of the electricity consumed
by an average household, therefore it is easy to understand the savings potential of warming
water with solar energy.
Is success guaranteed?
The success of any business to a large degree is based on an individual’s drive, ambition,
willingness to acquire and apply new knowledge and adherence to various essential success
principles. The SolarTech Exco team understands the need for the development and
maintenance of public confidence in the SolarTech brand, and sees this as one of our primary
roles.With regards to the concept and the business model, SolarTech is focused on the
development of a critical path, which will provide the SolarTech partner with a system for
success, negating to a large extent, the risks generally associated with business start-ups.
Technology
While the markets discusses and argues over which technology is best, Solartech employs both
options.
Flat Plate Thermal Transfer (K series)
EVT Heat pipe (R series)
SolarTech, after researching both technologies determined that there was a market for both
applications
- Flat Plate Transfer Technology due to, its simplicity, low maintenance and solid track
record.
- Vacuum Tube Technology due to the retrofit technology, the high efficiency and
attractive cost.
Both technologies are
Solartech approved systems and have passed SABS thermal and mechanical testing
and carry the Eskom rebate.
SolarTech is currently only one of three organisations in South Africa to provide our partners
with all the advantages of local manufacturing. Solartech’s South African development team are
working continuously to produce the world’s most cost effective and competitive solar heating
technologies specifically tailored for conditions in Southern Africa.
Our systems have been developed over a 15 year period and are regarded as one of the most
cost effective systems available on the market.
With a 5 Year factory warranty, residential systems are
Solartech approved systems and have passed SABS thermal and mechanical testing
, and are manufactured in
the following sizes;
- 150 litre
- 200 litre
- 250 litre (Direct and Indirect configurations are available)
Our national warehouse system allow for (order to delivery in under 96 hours) thus negating
the need for our partners to carry stock thus improving cash flow and increasing profitability.
Our Difference
As is evident from the above, SolarTech proves to be one of the most cost efficient systems on
the market today, this fact combined with:
- First Carbon Neutral solar water heating company in SA
- We use both Technologies (Tube and Flat Plate)
- Largest Owner managed network in SA
- Generate 3000 leads per month for our network from Solcom online
- PIRB Compliance
- 1800 successful residential Installations since 2006
- National warehousing
- Our low carbon footprint
- Industry rebates and discounts
- Strict operating procedures
- Local manufacturing
- Intensive ongoing training
- Branding
- National footprint
- Shared intellect
‘Make SolarTech the most relevant Solar Thermal Network in the world today
Solartech Partnership Criteria
The following is a general guideline, which may determine the suitability of an applicant to
become a qualified SolarTech Partner.
- Concern for the Environment
-Positive Mental Attitude
- Technical Aptitude
- Confident and Independent
- A Strong Understanding of Sales and Marketing
- Entrepreneurial Nature
- Emotionally Intelligent and Motivated
- A Strong Team Player
- Express an Owner/ Operator Mentality
- Unencumbered Capital
Solartech Initial Training
Included in the initial fee and prior to commencing operation, initial training will be given by
SolarTech. Technical, Business and Marketing training will be updated on a regular basis
enabling all concerned to keep abreast with current market trends. SolarTech will also ensure
that all partners are capable to carry out their business operations with adequate knowledge
and develop their business from a marketing and administrative viewpoint.
Training
- Business Training: 3 days
- Technical Theory: 4 days
- Installation Training : 10 days
Content
Climate Change Science, Success and Entrepreneurship, Legal and Liability, Sales and
Marketing, Customer Experience Management, Technical Theory, Practical Training,
Examination.
Profit Calculations
15 units = R2000 Net profit (30k)
20 units = R3000 net profit (60k)
25 units = R4250.00 (106K)
30 units = R4500.00 (135K)
35 units = R4750.00 (166K)
40+ R5000.00 (200K)