Solar Hot Water Systems

No more cold showers. Get a renewable hot water supply!

How do solar hot water systems work?

Solar hot water systems use solar collectors - usually located on your roof. These collectors absorb energy from the sun to heat water for your home. The heated water is then stored in an insulated tank for when you need it.

Why go solar?

In a warm and sunny location a solar hot water heater is an extremely attractive and cost effective solution to the old power hungry hot water systems.

In consideration of going solar for your hot water requirements the biggest concern is often the initial financial expense and the length of time it would take to offset that cost. Solar energy is FREE and the ongoing costs are therefore minimal as opposed to conventional power generated options.

A quality solar hot water system should last around 20 years and more if regularly serviced.

If you are using typical electric storage water heating - around 30% of your electricity bill is used to heat your water! Solar hot water will save you most of that electricity - and typically shave hundreds of dollars a year off your electricity bill.

There is of course the environmental aspect to consider. Solar hot water systems are an environmentally friendly method for generating hot water, by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases your home produces (through reduced electricity and natural gas usage.)

Solar hot water systems maintenance

Solar hot water systems should be serviced every five years to provide maximum functionally and detect any issues before they turn into major problems.

Our solar technicians will check and replace various valves, clean out the tank, pressure test to detect for small holes or leaks, replace any corroded elements and clean panels.

This will ensure the solar hot water system will function at its optimal efficiency once again. Our qualified tradesmen are fully equipped and ensure that any issues with your solar hot water systems are swiftly and professionally resolved.

Do solar hot water systems save money?

Solar water heating systems can cost more initially to purchase and install than conventional water heating systems. However, a solar water heater will save you money in the long run especially on your electricity bill.

There are also a number of rebates and grants you can apply for - we can assist with this - just ask us.

What are the 2 types of solar hot water systems?

There are 2 main types of solar hot water system to choose from:

• Flat plate collector
• Evacuated tube collector

The two types both use solar collectors or panels that are placed on your roof. The panels absorb sun light and transfer the heat directly to your cold water which is pumped through the collectors.

Flat plate collector

These are the most widely used used type of collector for domestic solar water heating. Flat plate collectors are rectangular boxes with glass lids and usually an aluminium body.

In the box underneath the glass are placed copper pipes. These copper pipes carry the cold water through the collector and absorb the sun's heat. The heated water is collectd in an insulated hot water tank.

Evacuated tube collector

Evacuated tube collectors collect the sun's heat through a number of glass tubes. Each glass tube have their own heat-absorbing plate inside.

Each tube is like a small greenhouse that traps sunlight inside the glass tube - which is used to heat either the water directly, or a special heat transfer fluid that then transfers the heat to the water.

What's the difference between a split system vs on-roof system?

A split hot water system means the tank (where the hot water is stored) is located on the ground and your collector panels are on the roof.


An on-roof hot water system means the storage tank is also on your roof. It works on thermosiphon (heat exchange) and gravity feed and is more efficient than a split system as it doesn't require a pump. Also as it is on the roof - the tank itself absorbs more natural sun light and heats the water more effectively.

What if the sun isn't shining?

Don't worry - you will still have a nice hot shower!

When the sun isn't shining, you can't heat the water with solar energy. You need to have a backup energy source, usually gas or electricity. You store the hot water collected by the solar panels in a well insulated hot water tank for future use. (Normally the backup system will not be used that often.)