Reduce your electricity bills with Solar Hot Water
Water heating is a major part of your energy bill. Make the switch to Solar Hot Water & save - big time!
How does it work?
A solar hot water system uses the sun’s energy to heat water. The main parts of a solar hot water system are the water storage tank, a gas or electric booster and the solar collectors that absorb the heat from the sun. See how it works.
The water storage tank can be located on the roof directly above the collectors or on the ground like a conventional hot water system. Solar collectors are positioned on the roof facing as close as possible to north. Your installer will be aware of the correct installation requirements.
Plan your replacement
Don’t wait for your old system to fail – plan for your solar hot water system now. As this is a significant purchase for your home, you should compare suppliers and tell them about your household needs. Solar hot water systems will vary in price depending on the model, tank size and number of panels.
A guide to system requirements
| Number of people | Capacity (litres) | Collector area (m2) |
| 1–2 | 160–200 | 2 |
| 3–4 | 300–370 | 4 |
| 5–6 | 440 | 6 |
Running costs
Gas and electricity bills are rising, so switching to solar hot water is great investment against these rising costs. Conventional hot water systems are cheaper upfront, but their lifetime running costs will be significantly more.
| Hot Water Systems | Annual Cost* 5+ people 250L/day |
| Non Solar | |
| Electric storage (off peak) | $1035 |
| Natural gas instantaneous – 6 star | $406 |
| LPG – 6 star storage | $1180 |
| Solar | |
| Electric boost (off peak) | $399 |
| Natural gas boost | $209 |
| LPG boost | $442 |
| Electric heat pump (peak rate) | $644 |
Based on energy tariffs of: natural gas (1.75 c/MJ), LPG (4 c/MJ), peak electricity (28 c/kWh), off-peak electricity (18 c/kWh). + Based on a 70% solar contribution at rated delivery.
Important Considerations
- Read your warranty carefully and see that it includes frost protection.
- Solar collectors should not be shaded by trees or nearby buildings.
- Have the storage tank and solar collectors as close together as possible to reduce the length of the connecting pipes.
- Have all pipes well insulated.
- Install your system as close as possible to the kitchen, bathroom and the laundry.
- Fit a low flow showerhead. Showering accounts for over 30% of home hot water use.
- Keep the booster thermostat at its recommended setting of 60˚C.
- Ensure a licensed plumber and registered electrical contractor are used for all required plumbing and electrical work.