Home Consumer Information Solar Hot Water Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: Will I get power and hot water from this system? FAQ 2: Does Solar Hot Water work in cooler climates? FAQ 3: Will I run out of hot water? FAQ 4: Can I buy a tank now and add solar panels later? FAQ 5: Can I use solar panels on my existing system? FAQ 6: Is it a good investment? 1. Will I get power and hot water from this system? No, Solar hot water panels only heat water. As the sun hits the copper tubes in the panel, the water heats, rises and flows back into the tank. Solar electric panels are made of silicon and convert sunlight directly into electricity.   2. Does Solar Hot Water work in cooler climates? Yes, In fact, one of the systems accredited for the rebate scheme is made in Austria, where there are more SHW units per capita than Australia! If it works there, then it’ll work here. The common knowledge that Northern locations are sunnier is deceptive. There is actually more water heating work to be done in the Southern climates because the cold water starts out colder, solar panels are more efficient in colder temperatures.   3. Will I run out of hot water? No. Solar Hot Water systems are designed to store larger amounts of hot water than conventional systems. A correctly sized system will have hot water left over from the previous day. If you have a few cloudy days in a row the thermostat will turn the booster on to bring the water up to temperature.    4. Can I buy a tank now and add solar panels later? Yes. You can buy a solar compatible tank now, and add the panels later when you can afford them.   5. Can I use solar panels on my existing system? Possibly. Most conventional electric hot water systems can have panels connected with a pump to circulate the hot water from the panels into the tank.   6. Is it a good investment? Environmentally, definitely. Economically, a new system will always pay back the difference in cost over the life of the system. How quickly they pay back the difference depends on the location, the type of system it is replacing, the type of system being used and the hot water usage of the customer. E.g. replacing an LPG system with a solar electric may cost $1,500 more than replacing with another LPG, but an average family will save around $400/year so the difference will be paid off in under 5 years! Worst case is replacing a 5 star gas with solar gas costing $2,000 extra saving $160/year, 9 year pay back. Not included in these calculations is the fact that solar hot water systems last longer. (normal 7-10 years, solar 15-20). If you put this $2,000 into a fixed term savings account you would only earn up to $75/year. An SHW unit also adds value to your home!

Last Updated ( Monday, 10 July 2006 )