Solar Hot Water

A solar hot water system uses collectors installed on your roof to capture heat from the sun. This energy is used to heat water, which is then stored in an insulated tank ready for use throughout your home.

Most systems also include an electric or gas booster to provide additional heating when there isn’t enough solar energy available.

Although both use energy from the sun, they do different jobs.

Solar hot water systems capture the sun’s heat and use it specifically to heat water. Solar power systems use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity that can be used to power appliances and other electrical equipment throughout your home.

Heating water can account for a significant portion of a household’s energy consumption. Using energy from the sun to heat your water can reduce the amount of electricity or gas required and potentially lower your ongoing energy costs.

For homes throughout the Spencer Gulf, our abundant sunshine makes solar hot water an excellent renewable energy option.

The best system depends on your household and property. We consider factors such as the number of people in your home, how much hot water you typically use, available roof space, local conditions and your existing hot water setup.

Solahart Spencer Gulf can assess your requirements and recommend a system suited to your household.

Solar hot water systems are designed with backup heating for periods when solar energy alone isn't enough.

An electric or gas booster can provide additional heating during cloudy weather, winter or periods of unusually high hot water demand, helping ensure your household still has reliable hot water.

No. While traditional rooftop systems have both the collectors and storage tank mounted on the roof, split systems provide another option.

With a split system, the solar collectors remain on the roof while the storage tank is installed at ground level. Heat pumps are another alternative that don't require solar collectors on the roof.

A heat pump uses heat from the surrounding air to heat the water stored in its tank. It operates using similar principles to a reverse-cycle air conditioner, transferring heat rather than relying solely on an electric heating element.

Heat pumps can be an energy-efficient option for properties where a traditional solar hot water system isn't suitable.

Savings vary from household to household. Factors such as your current water heater, household size, hot water consumption, system selected, available sunlight and energy tariffs can all affect the result.

Our team can help you compare your options and determine which type of hot water system is likely to provide the best value for your home.

Installation time depends on the type of system, your property and whether we're replacing an existing water heater or completing a new installation.

Solahart Spencer Gulf can assess your property and explain what's involved before installation begins.

Yes. Using renewable energy from the sun to heat your water can reduce the amount of electricity or gas your household needs for water heating.

That can help lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with your household energy consumption while making better use of renewable energy.

Eligible renewable hot water systems may qualify for government incentives such as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

Eligibility and the value of incentives can vary depending on the system, installation and current government programs. Solahart Spencer Gulf can explain which incentives may apply when you're choosing your new system.

STCs form part of Australia's renewable energy incentive scheme. Eligible solar hot water and heat pump installations can create a number of certificates based on factors including the system installed and its location.

These certificates have a market value and can help reduce the upfront cost of an eligible system.

Depending on your solar power and hot water setup, there are options for using electricity generated by your solar panels to contribute towards water heating.

Products such as solar-smart electric water heaters can make use of excess solar generation that might otherwise be exported to the grid.

Talk to Solahart Spencer Gulf about whether this type of setup is suitable for your home.

Regular servicing can help maintain the performance, efficiency and reliability of your hot water system.

The recommended service schedule can vary depending on the type and model of system, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's servicing requirements. Our team can advise you on the appropriate schedule for your system.

Yes. Solahart Spencer Gulf can assist with hot water system servicing, maintenance and repairs.

If you're experiencing problems with your hot water, contact our team and we'll help determine the best course of action.

Contact Solahart Spencer Gulf as soon as possible. We can assess the problem and determine whether your existing system can be repaired or whether replacement is the more practical option.

If a replacement is required, we can also help you compare solar hot water, heat pump and other available hot water solutions for your home.