This study aims to advance understanding of the potential socio-economic impacts and developmental co-benefits associated with an expected large roll out of one million solar water heaters by the year 2014/15. They are expected to contribute to about 23 per cent of the country’s renewable energy target of 10 000Gwh. The research report has a particular focus on the contribution of low pressure solar water heaters to the alleviation of poverty and inequality through creating employment in local, benefitting communities. The research investigates the ways direct employment is created in the benefitting communities in the installation and maintenance of the systems. Exploring the question of how the different approaches to maintenance contribute to employment creation, this report incorporates findings from the literature as well as interviews with industry stakeholders, in particular solar water heaters.