Abstract: Novel Journal of Applied Sciences Research

Abstract:
A solar water-heating installation at the air force base in Hoedspruit has demonstrated improved energy efficiency, cut costs and CO2 emissions, and left personnel with new skills. A remarkable success story has played out at the Hoedspruit Air Force Base over the past four and a half years with solar technology at its heart. On 1 May 2019, SANEDI and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) collaboratively commissioned two 1 500-litre solar water-heating systems to keep the bungalows that are home to the base’s personnel supplied with hot water. The Solar Thermal Demonstration and Training Initiative (SOLTRAIN) contributed training and 30% of the capital required. Since then, SANEDI and the SANDF have tracked the performance of the system, specifically focusing on electricity and cost savings and translating these into tons of CO2 emissions avoided. The numbers are nothing short of impressive – and inspirational.