Solar hot water systems are an extremely efficient and environmentally-friendly way to heat water for your household. In some cases, solar water heaters can save you as much as 90% off the cost of heating water using electricity or natural gas alone.
Installing a solar hot water system could also make you eligible for a Small Scale Technology Certificate from the Federal Government, which can be redeemed for a cash refund or a discount on the price of your system.
How Does a Solar Hot Water System Work?
Solar hot water systems use the energy from the sun to heat the water for your home. Unlike solar photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, solar hot water heaters gather the heat energy from sunlight directly using collectors, usually in the form of flat panels or evacuated tubes.
Collectors are usually mounted on your roof, ideally in a north-facing location. Water from your home will be pumped into these collectors, heated by the sun, and then stored in a standard insulated hot water tank for your convenience.
Most hot water systems are unable to meet 100% of the household demand, and thus use a backup system powered by natural gas or electricity. This backup will also kick in on particularly cloudy days, or whenever solar energy isn’t able to keep your water above the minimum level that you set.
Main Benefits of Solar Hot Water
The main benefits of solar hot water systems are:
- Reliable source of hot water for your home.
- Large savings in hot-water heating costs over the long term.
- Environmentally friendly due to lower requirements for electricity or natural gas.
- Can be installed on a variety of roof types.
- Includes backup unit for cloudy and cold conditions.
Is a Solar Hot Water System Right for You?
Whether a solar hot water system is right for you depends on a variety of factors, like your local climate and the type of system you choose. In general, solar hot water works great across Australia. Our abundant solar energy can provide hot water with a minimum of cost throughout most of the year.
In general, solar hot water systems cost more than electric or gas hot water heaters. However, their lower operating cost of a solar system generally offsets the greater upfront cost within a few years.
If you live in an area that experiences frosts, you should consult with our experts about the type of solar hot water system to choose. An evacuated tube collector may better suit your needs, since flat plate collectors can be damaged by frosts. Additional frost-protection measures may be needed to ensure your system isn’t damaged by cold weather.
Learn More
To learn more about solar hot water systems call Hot Water in a Hurry on 1300 426 468 for a free consultation.