Install a solar hot water system
Installing a solar hot water system is a great way of using Australia’s plentiful supply of sun to heat water for your home. It can also greatly reduce your water heating costs. Depending on where you live and how much hot water you use, a solar hot water system could supply up to 90 per cent of your hot water needs.
Research your requirements
- Find out the best type of hot water system for your household - either a solar, gas or heat pump hot water system. Consider your household size, available energy sources, your climate, space and access, and your existing system.
- You should also consider purchase and installation costs, as well as running costs for different systems. Don’t forget to include potential long term energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in your decision making.
- If you decide on a solar hot water system, it’s important to choose the most appropriate one for your needs as there are many different types available. You will need to consider your house type, roof characteristics, available space and visual appearance.
- Talk to your installer or supplier about Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), An STC is a measure of renewable energy which can be traded for cash or a discount on the purchase price of solar or heat pump hot water systems.
- If you are looking at particular systems or models, you will often be able to research them online.
- For further details and resources about the different types of systems available and how they work, see ‘Further information’ below.
Contact installers
- Seek expert advice about your options and get several written quotes to make sure you get the best system for your needs at the best price. You can speak to installers, building information centres, designers or retailers for advice.
- Check your installer is accredited. Qualified installers will be aware of safety issues and will install systems correctly.
- Ask installers about any additional costs that may not be included in the quote.
- Make sure you understand what electricity tariff will apply to your new hot water service.
- If you are in a frost-prone climate, make sure your system is appropriate for the conditions.
- Ask about the warranty and after-sales service and what help you'll get if you have questions about your installation in the future.
Install your solar hot water system
- Talk to your installer about the best place to locate your system. In Australia, for the most efficiency, solar hot water systems should face north. The best tilt angle of the solar collectors will depend on where you live. Make sure the solar collectors (usually flats panels or evacuated tubes) are not shaded by trees or nearby buildings, particularly in winter.
- Some solar hot water systems have a storage tank located on the roof. A complete system when full of water can weigh several hundred kilograms. Most roofs can support a storage tank without reinforcement but talk to a builder, designer or engineer to check yours.
- If you have a booster control, make sure it’s in an accessible location and has an indicator light you can see from inside to remind you to turn it off when not needed. (Most solar hot water systems will need a booster to guarantee hot water when sunshine is low and to make sure that the water is heated enough to prevent growth of bacteria.)
- If your system has an electric booster, the person doing the electrical work must be licensed to undertake this work.
- If you have a booster control, make sure it has a timer to ensure that you are only heating water when you need it.
- Make sure your pipes are insulated.
- While your installer is on site, make sure you have all the information and paperwork necessary to lodge application for any rebates you may be eligible for and renewable energy certificates.
- Request a Certificate of Compliance from your installer so you can be confident your new water heater meets all regulatory requirements.
Operate and maintain your system
- Before your installer leaves, make sure you have clear instructions on how to operate your system and what maintenance is required. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
- Talk to your installer about having your hot water system regularly inspected and serviced.
- Set the temperature of your booster thermostat to a minimum of 60°C. This is to prevent growth of harmful bacteria. Don’t overheat the water as this wastes energy.
- Use hot water early in the day if possible so that the water left in the tank will be heated by the sun, ready for use at night.
- If you have a booster, make sure you turn it off when going on holidays. Consider turning it off during summer if conditions are favourable.
