In 2011 the SANS 10400–XA ‘Energy Usage in Buildings’ regulations were passed in South Africa, setting out property development rules for water heating, lighting, insulation and glazed areas including windows, glass doors and roof lights. The regulations took more than five years to be refined and properly implemented due to cost implications for developers along with lack of skills from architects and municipal administrators approving building plans as well construction activities. The regulations oblige property developers and residential owner builders to deploy renewable solutions that save more than 50% in electricity consumption for water heating and give guidelines for energy efficient buildings regarding maximum demand and annual energy consumption.