Solar hot water systems are a fantastic option for households looking to save money on their energy bills and help the environment. We’ll explore some common questions and provide answers.
If you have a question about solar hot water not covered below, please feel free to contact our friendly team – they’ll be glad to assist you!
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What is the advantage of using solar hot water systems?
Using solar hot water systems has several significant advantages:
Cost Savings: Solar energy is free and abundant. Once the system is installed, you’ll see substantial reductions in your energy bills, as the sun does most of the work heating your water.
Environmental Benefits: Solar hot water systems produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional electric or gas systems. By harnessing renewable energy from the sun, you contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Energy Independence: Relying on solar energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels and the grid, providing a degree of energy independence. This can be particularly beneficial during energy price fluctuations or supply disruptions.
Government Incentives: In many areas, including Australia, there are government rebates, incentives, and grants available for installing solar hot water systems. These can offset the initial installation costs, making the investment more affordable.
Long-Term Investment: Solar hot water systems have a long lifespan and low maintenance requirements. They are a durable and reliable investment that pays off over time.
Boost Property Value: Installing a solar hot water system can increase the resale value of your property, as energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly attractive to buyers.
Overall, solar hot water systems offer both economic and environmental benefits, making them an excellent choice for households looking to reduce their energy footprint and costs.
How does a solar hot water roof mounted system work?
Solar collector(s) are located on the roof structure, optimally facing in a northerly direction. The sun heats the water in the collector, which then goes into a tank. While in the case of flat plate systems the tank may also be on the roof; with evacuated tube collectors, the tank is usually stored at ground level.
The hot water rises naturally in the tank – this process is called thermo-siphoning. This water is then made available to the house, either through a gravity feed or a pump.
The colder water at the bottom of the storage tank then travels into the collector and starts to heat up. This process is a continuous cycle and can save the average household up to 75% of their hot water energy requirements and related greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about how solar hot water works.
How does a solar hot water split system work
A split system consists of north-facing roof-mounted collector(s) and a separate tank on the ground, usually located close to one of the major hot water consumption areas such as the bathroom. The sun heats the water in the collector and, once the water reaches a desired temperature, a sensor device activates a circulation pump that starts to pump the hot water into the storage tank on the ground. The pump also pumps the cold water from the bottom of the storage tank into the collector(s). Learn more about how solar hot water works.
How do the roof mounted and split systems compare?
The energy benefits of the two systems are about the same. While the heat loss is less in the split system as the tank is not as exposed to the elements as the roof-mounted tank, some additional energy is necessary to operate the low-wattage pump in the split system. The decision of which system to use comes back to the structural design of the roof, personal taste and ease of access for servicing.
Which is better: Flat plate or evacuated tube collectors?
While flat plate has been the most popular form of collector in solar hot water systems in years gone by, the relatively recent introduction of evacuated tube collectors has seen a shift to this form. This is especially given its vastly improved performance and durability in all kinds of conditions. You can see a comparison and efficiency data on our page flat plate vs. evacuated tube collectors.
What are STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)?
STCs are certificates that are awarded with qualifying solar hot water systems. They are a
federal government initiative designed to encourage the uptake of products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
STCs are traded on the market by energy companies that buy them from renewable energy producers. That is, households and companies who own the systems. As part of the process, customers who purchase solar hot water systems can sell their STCs to their supplier/installer (usually in the form of a point-of-sale discount). Alternatively, customers can sell them independently to a buyer of their choice.
Learn more about STCs and rebates.
How many people can a solar hot water system supply?
Typically a single 300L system will adequately service a home of between 4 to 6 people comfortably. Bigger systems are available for very large households. Multiple system installation is even possible. All systems come with an electric booster as standard or optional gas booster. That ensures hot water 24 hours a day, regardless of weather conditions.
How much money can I save with a solar hot water system?
Switching to a solar hot water system can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. On average, households can expect to save 50% to 70% on their hot water costs compared to traditional electric or gas systems. The exact amount you save will depend on factors such as your current energy usage, the size and efficiency of the system, and the amount of sunlight your location receives.
For example, if your current annual hot water bill is around $600, switching to a solar hot water system could save you approximately $300 to $420 per year. Over the system’s lifespan (typically 15-20 years), the savings can add up to thousands of dollars.
Additionally, government rebates and incentives can further reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar hot water system, making it an even more cost-effective option.
Are state government rebates available for solar hot water?
A number of states have rebates or incentives to reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar hot water system. Read more about solar hot water system rebates.