ALEXANDRA township, in Sandton, Johannesburg, will provide its own solution to the endless power crises with the launching of its solar-powered Far East Bank development.

"It's the first project of its kind," said the Alexandra Renewal Project's housing manager, Sam Ramashala.

"We have 520 one-bedroom, 56m² units, which will be rented at R350 a month. Six families will share one bathroom."

Isaac Ramotla, the quantity surveyor for the project, said that the energy shortage in Alexandra was the biggest obstacle to getting municipal approval for the project.

Ramotla said: "When the engineers requested power from the municipality, they found there would not be enough for the projected number of residents." "The move to solar power was the only way we could make the project viable."

The development will use solar energy to heat water but conventionally generated power will be used for lighting.

"There will be an additional power outlet in each bedroom into which other appliances can be plugged," said Ramotla.

Solar Heat Systems, which provides the Giordano solar panels for the project, has tripled its turnover in the past year as result of the soaring demand for solar power.

According to Solar Heat's managing director, Dylan Tudor-Jones, a family of four could save up to R5000 a year on electricity, at current prices, by installing a solar-heating system.

With Eskom's 16percent tariff increase imminent, consumers can expect to save even more.

"The system is more expensive than a conventional geyser, but in the long-term you'll save thousands," said Tudor-Jones.

"Preventive maintenance is required only every four to five years, and the system has a life expectancy of about 20 years. I've even seen some 30-year-old systems."

The Alex project is in the final stages of completion and the units will be handed over on November 9.