Daylighting Viable to Reduce Energy Demand in Residential Homes

Power outages have become a fact of life in South Africa. The persistent energy crisis due to aging power plants and increasing demand has made energy an issue of availability rather than affordability. While several demand-side management initiatives such as the mass rollout of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), solar water heater rebate programme, and the introduction of geyser blankets have helped to reduce the overall energy demand from the residential sector, much still needs to be done to reduce energy consumption without compromising the comfort of residents.