A new era of water heating has arrived with the launch of the Elon Smart Hot Water System, a groundbreaking solution developed by PowerOptimal and available exclusively from Kwikot.

The internationally patented Elon Smart can save up to 50% of households’ electricity bill through using the power of the sun to heat water. It enables direct connection of solar PV (photovoltaic) panels to any standard Kwikot electric water heater with no inverter or batteries required. Payback periods of as little as two years can be achieved depending on hot-water use levels and tariffs.

As South African consumers continue to be lambasted by rapidly increasing electricity bills, the Elon Smart System offers a timely and essential solution for households. Monitoring and management of water temperature, solar and grid electricity use, as well as early alerts, are all accessed directly from a smartphone.

The Elon Smart thermostat simply plugs directly into standard Kwikot electric water heaters. Retrofit installation is as simple as exchanging the existing thermostat for the Elon Smart thermostat, making it an ideal upgrade for traditional water heaters.

At the same time as saving money, the Elon Smart Water Heating System also has a substantial impact on the carbon footprint of domestic hot water. Just 1 kW of solar PV used for water heating in one household will save about 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the system’s lifetime.

“We are proud to collaborate on a solution that not only meets the immediate energy cost challenges South Africans face but also contributes to a more sustainable future. It empowers users to reduce their energy costs, lower their carbon footprint, and make a meaningful contribution to the environment, all while ensuring access to reliable, efficient water heating,” says Murray Crow, MD Electrolux Home.

Crow adds, “By integrating smart technology with renewable solar power, we are offering a solution that puts control back in the hands of consumers, allowing them to manage their energy use remotely and make smarter choices for their households. This is a significant step forward in addressing the country’s energy crisis and building a greener, more sustainable future for all South Africans.”

Reducing dependence on the national grid is becoming increasingly important in South Africa. The country’s ongoing electricity shortages and rising energy costs mean that alternative, renewable solutions like the Elon Smart Water Heating System are critical for long-term energy security. By leveraging solar power, the system helps alleviate pressure on the grid, providing a more resilient energy infrastructure that can withstand growing demand and reduce the risk of blackouts.