7 Reasons To Choose Solar Hot Water
- ENJOY free energy from the sun
- PROTECT yourself from rising energy costs
- SAVE up to 90% on your water heating bills*
- OFFSET investment cost with government rebates
- Access RELIABLE hot water 24/7
- DECREASE your household’s carbon footprint
- INCREASE the value of your property
Energy From the Sun
Solar water heaters use the solar energy from the sun to generate heat – not electricity – which can then be used to heat water for your household. Depending on the climate you live in, Solar Hot Water heating systems, can provide up to 90% of your hot water for free using the sun’s energy – without generating greenhouse gas emissions.*
Water heating is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from an average Australian home. It accounts for nearly 21% of the energy and generates about 23% of the greenhouse gas emissions.* Electric water heaters in particular contribute to these emissions. Only 50% of Australian homes use electric water heaters and they contribute 80% of hot water greenhouse emissions.
In Australia, the split of energy used for water heating comes from**:
- Natural gas 48%
- Electricity 45%
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) 3%
An efficient hot water service can also add value to your home and help meet state, territory or local government regulations.
For an industry overview of solar hot water systems see the Resources section where you will find a list of independent sites we’ve collated to assist you find more information.
* Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) 2010 and 2012.
Solar hot water system prices
The price of a system depends on the size of the system that is best for you. Your plumber will recommend the best system for you based on the:
- size of your house
- water usage
- pitch of your roof
A solar hot water system can only be installed by a qualified plumber so the price of the system will also vary based on their installation fees.
Compared to conventional water heaters, solar hot water storage systems usually cost more to buy and install. The great news is the up front cost can be offset by:
- the lower energy use
- savings on your heating bills
- the Government rebates
The payback period will vary per household depending on the climate you live in, type of system installed, hot water use and the energy tariff applied for your home.
Solar water heaters have other great benefits:
- they last longer than conventional water heaters
- they add to the value of your home.
With Australian households feeling the strain of rising energy prices – there’s never been a better time to consider switching to a solar hot water system.