The factors that determine the best system for your home
Have you been thinking about installing a solar water heater and not sure what systems are available and what’s best for your home?
There are a number of factors to be considered before deciding on a solar hot water system. A plumber will recommend the best system for your home because solar hot water heaters should only be installed by a qualified plumber.
Their recommendation will be based on:
- number of people in your household
- the amount of water used
- when the water is used
- water quality
- the pitch of your roof
- the climate where you live
It is important that you understand how a solar hot water system works – as much as ensuring the plumber understands your household’s needs – so the right size is installed for your home. If the storage tank is too small there is a risk you will run out of hot water occasionally or that the booster will need to be used more often. If your storage tank is larger than what your household needs, energy will be wasted in storing excess hot water.
Hot water usage is approximately 80 litres per person per day in Australia, on average.* The types of appliances and features in your home, as well as how you use them, will affect your household’s hot water consumption.
Factors that can increase your hot water usage include:
- spa baths
- long showers
- living in a cold climate.
As a guide only, until you speak with a plumber, for an Apricus solar hot water system a broad indication of system sizes are:
- 1-2 Bedrooms: 22 evacuated tube solar collectors with a 250L tank
- 3-4 Bedrooms: 30 evacuated tube solar collectors with a 315L tank
- 4+ Bedrooms: 44 evacuated tube solar collectors with a 400L tank
*Solar Water Heater Guide, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2013