The Australian Greenhouse Office tells us that water heating eats up about 30% of the average home’s electricity bill. And if that electricity is coming from so-called “black” power (produced by burning coal), that means about 30% of a household’s emissions are a result of heating water - or around 5 tonnes each year!
Australia is definitely not short on sun - so it makes sense to use that sunshine to heat your water.
Solar hot water systems have been available in Australia for many years, yet according to the Sydney Morning Herald, only 5% of homes use them.
A solar water heater can provide up to 90% of your total hot water requirements, depending on the climate and the model of heater. Although the up-front cost of a solar hot water system is higher than a standard heater, the reduction in energy use will reduce the overall cost over time - potentially even saving you money in the long-term. You may even be eligible for a rebate.
Solahart and Endless Summer are two providers of solar hot water systems in Australia.
The Australian Greenhouse Office also has more information about solar hot water, including notes on the different types of systems, and how to choose between them.
The Enviro Friendly Products site also has a good guide, keeping in mind they are a reseller for some brands.
If you’ve already installed a solar hot water system, or are planning on installing one, leave us a note in the comments telling us about your experience.
I recommend installing solar hot water. I grew up in Perth with a solar hot water heater in our house, and it always provided more than enough for our family of 4. They have a booster system that can be turned on to heat water as a fail safe, if hot water runs out.
I have had solare hot water for over three years and it provides more then enough heat, even on overcast days if used wisely. On hot days it does tend to bubble up and cause a bit of run off but we have installed a a tank that collects it and then we reuse the water on the vegetable patch and fruit trees.
our place has a solar heater installed. the only real downside we find with it is with winter… if theres too much cloud coverage… and there normally is at that time of the year… we have to put the booster on so the power bill skyrockets for the winter months… we still save a bundle for the other 3 seasons. just something to consider to be prepared for a larger power bill on days where the weather decides to be gloomy.
as for performance… the water can get very hot if u let it run, it almost beats the kettle! we’r sposed to be cutting down our shower times but if you do need a long one, the hot water does last, even with a budget solar system.
We have a heatpump hot water system. I believe this is a worthwhile alternative to solar systems as it is only transferring the heat. Solar systems use electricity to boost in cold weather and some use electric pumps to circulate the water. I would be interested to see an energy use comparison between heatpump and solar.