With energy bills spiralling out of control, it
makes sense to consider a new energy saving solar hot water system.
An average family of four replacing an old electric hot water system
in Melbourne could expect to save $ 700 or more a year.
Government
Solar Hot Water incentives are making solar hot water systems more
affordable than ever before for Melbourne customers.
But what system should you choose? There are
two fundamentally different technologies available to deliver you
cheap solar hot water: Evacuated tube systems; and heat pumps. If
in doubt, our staff at Enviro Friendly can provide expert advice
on our range of best of breed products.
Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water
What sets this advanced system apart from the old flat-plate collector technology, is the series of very efficient, evacuated glass tubes that make up the solar collector on the roof.
Doing our due diligence in 2004, we decided that evacuated tubes were clearly the better solar collection system and the way of the future, choosing what has become the Hills Solar Esteem range. We helped pioneer their widespread adoption, and today are the largest Hills Solar Dealer in Australia.
Hills Solar recently introduced the next generation of evacuated tube technology in their ESTEEM™II range. Their second generation, triple layered tubes deliver performance efficiencies well beyond those of traditional flat panel systems and other evacuated tube collectors. With superior design and enhanced insulating properties, the collectors optimise energy capture while minimising heat loss, providing greater energy efficiencies, particularly during the winter period when thermal energy is at its lowest, and the demand for hot water is at its greatest.
How do you ensure you get the
BEST solar hot water deal?
Get multiple, obligation-free quotes. It's easy...
The second solar hot water technology we selected was the heat pump. They have been on the Australian market for over 20 years - a well-kept secret from most Australians!
A heat pump solar hot water system is very clever. Just like a reverse-cycle air conditioner heating a room in winter, they use a little bit of electricity to collect a lot of heat that the sun has put into the atmosphere.
They produce similar savings to most on-the-roof systems, but are cheaper to install, as the connections are the same as an old-style electric storage hot water system. Of course, they are also eligible for relevant solar hot water rebates.
Click below for more information on our wide range of domestic and commercial heat pump solar hot water systems. Our Melbourne product range includes Siddons and Stiebel Eltron.
Both systems reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, whether we are using gas, or coal-fired electricity. If we look at whole-of-life cost, ie the cost of buying, running and maintaining the system, we believe that the evacuated tube solar hot water system is a clear winner. If roof space or shading is an issue, then heat pumps are the answer. Any time a roof-mounted collector system isn't suitable, the heat pump is the answer!
How Much Will I Save With A Solar Hot Water System?
How long is a piece of string? It's hard to say,
because every household is different. A different number of people,
different shower lengths, hot vs. cold wash, standard vs. low-flow
showerheads. All these factors can make a big difference in how
much you'll save. It's probably fair to say that the average family
of four switching from an old electric to a new gas boosted solar
hot water system will save around $ 700 a year.
Of course, whatever saving they make is dramatically rising each year as energy prices head north! Oh, we forgot to mention... you'll also save around 3-4 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year going into the atmosphere!
