Solar Hot Water Systems

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Solar HWS Adelaide

Solar water heating (SWH) is heating water by sunlight, using a solar thermal collector. The amount of heat delivered by a solar water heating system depends primarily on the amount of heat delivered by the sun at a particular place.

Seek expert advice from Sharpe Services to help you choose the most cost effective solar water heater for your needs. Consider the energy source for boosting (gas or electricity), energy efficiency, energy tariffs, ease of installation and product cost. All our plumbers are certified with Master Plumbers Association, who are experienced, knowledgeable, and well-trained.

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Solar Hot Water

HOW THEY WORK?

Solar hot water systems are storage units which generate heat from the sun using panels installed on the roof of the property. This heat is used to warm and maintain the water in your tank. When there is insufficient solar generation, systems can be boosted to a temperature of 60°C by either electric or natural gas boosters. Solar water systems can be split-system or combined.

Depending on your climate, they can provide up to 90% of your hot water for free, and without greenhouse gas emissions using the sun’s energy (DCCEE 2010). They cost more to buy and install than conventional HWSs but can save energy and reduce bills. Rebates and incentives are offered around Australia to reduce the up-front cost of solar units (see https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates). The time required to break even (the payback period) depends on the climate, type of system installed, hot water use and energy tariff applied.

ADVANTAGES

Solar hot water systems could reduce your hot water system’s energy consumption significantly, although the potential savings are disputed and naturally subject to your personal circumstances, including where you live. Solar hot water systems are generally considered as the most environmentally friendly option. Accredited solar systems might also be eligible for STC rebates from the Federal Government.

DISADVANTAGES

Solar hot water systems have the greatest upfront costs after rebates, depending on the system size and excluding any installation costs. Some solar hot water systems may also be unreliable on overcast days, but most models will kick-over to natural gas or electric back-up heating if the water isn’t hot enough.

Types of

Solar Hot Water Systems

There are two common types of solar collector: Roof Mounted Flat plate units and evacuated tubes. Flat plate units have been well proven in Australia for over 50 years. Evacuated tubes have dropped in price and are becoming more common in Australia, particularly in colder climates.

FLAT-PLATE UNITS

This system uses a large solar panel–like collector to catch the sun’s rays and transfer the heat to an insulated hot water tank. Flat-plate collectors tend to be the more affordable solar hot water option, however, they are not terribly effective in cooler climates. There are two variants of these systems – roof mounted – where the tank is connected to the collector on the roof, and split – where the panel is installed on the roof while the tank is on the ground.

EVACUATED TUBES

Consist of a series of transparent outer glass tubes that allow light rays to pass through with minimal reflection. Each tube contains an inner water pipe coated with a layer that absorbs the sun’s rays. Water runs through the pipe and is thus heated. A vacuum (hence ‘evacuated’) between the outer tube and the water pipe acts as insulation, reducing heat loss. As such, evacuated tube collector hot water systems are widely considered to be the most effective, however they are also the most expensive.