Solar Hot Water

Traditional Flat Panel Solar Hot Water System

Water heating accounts for about 30% of an average household's total greenhouse gas emissions and about the same proportion of total household energy use.  Installing a solar hot water heater can greatly reduce energy bills as it will use energy from the sun to heat water at zero cost and limit your greenhouse gas emissions.

Many of our clients in Melbourne find that solar energy can be used to provide 50 - 100% of the energy required to heat water.  This figure is influenced by the model used and the aspect available for mounting the panels.

The upfront cost of a solar hot water heater (including installation) is higher than a standard electric or gas water heater but the energy bill savings will compensate for this over time and there are the additional environmental benefits to be made.

Government rebates are available to a maximum amount of $1500.  The amount of the rebate depends on the type of Hot Water Unit that is replaced and the type of Solar unit replacing it.  

Most solar hot water systems use solar collectors or panels to absorb energy from the sun. Water is heated by the sun as it passes through the collectors. It then flows into an insulated storage tank for later use.  We recommend that the system be fitted with a booster for days when there is not enough sunlight to heat the water fully.