Solar
Hot Water Systems have been pioneered in Australia. Over four
decades we have produced many of the best domestic solar hot water
systems available in the world. The list of quality brands available
in Australia is an impressive one, and includes Solahart,
Hills Solar, Beasley, Dux, Rheem, Siddons Solarstream, Quantum,
Endless Solar, Stiebel Eltron, Conergy, Edwards and more...
At Enviro Friendly, we've worked very hard to provide our customers
with the very best range of solar hot water systems.
Two Different Categories.
There are two fundamentally different technologies
available to deliver you cheap solar hot water.
The first is the on-the-roof solar systems.
The second is the heat pump hot water systems.
1. On-The-Roof Solar Hot Water Systems.
These systems have collectors on the roof to collect
the radiant heat of the sun.
The
earliest versions include the traditional flat-plate collectors
together with a tank, both mounted on the roof. These have been
around for 50 years, and were pioneered by companies like Solahart.
Later, split systems were developed, with the collectors
on the roof, but the tank mounted on the ground.
Less weight on the roof was an attraction to many,
and not having the tank dominate the roofline was a winner for others.
In
the 1980's, a new collector system was developed in Australia. the
more advanced evacuated tubes. The geometry of the tubes means that
they are passively tracking the sun all day, leading to an increase
in efficiency.
Lower weight and less problems with frost are two
of the other advantages of evacuated tubes.
While we've found evacuated tube systems sold in
Australia back to the mid-1980's, it is probably Apricus
that can take the credit for the popularisation of evacuated tubes.
Today, there are numerous companies marketing evacuated tube systems,
the largest being Hills Solar, part of the iconic Australian company,
Hills Industries. We are proud that Hills Industries discovered
evacuated tubes on our website!
2. Heat Pump Solar Hot Water Systems.
The
second solar hot water technology is the heat pump. They have been
on the Australian market for over 25 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 atmsphere.
They produce similar savings to most on-the-roof systems, but are cheaper to instal because nothing has to be installed on the roof. The connections are the same as an old-style electric storage hot water system.
Of course, they are recognised by all Australian
Governments for solar hot water rebates.
There is a wide range of domestic and commercial
heat pump solar hot water systems available on the Australian market.
The first Australian brand was Quantum.
Today, advanced units such as the German Stiebel
Eltron set new standards of high efficiency, and low
noise.
NSW Government-backed advice on Solar Hot Water. Note: Doesn't
cover Heat Pumps.
Which Solar Hot Water Technology Is Best?
Both systems reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, whether it be gas, or any fossil fuel used to produce electricity. If we look at whole-of-life cost- the cost of buying, running and maintaining the system- we believe that the evacuated tube solar hot water system is a clear winner. If keeping down the initial cost is important, heat pumps are the answer. Any time a roof-mounted 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 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!
How do you ensure you get the
BEST solar hot water deal?
Get multiple, obligation-free quotes. It's easy...
The
earliest versions include the traditional flat-plate collectors
together with a tank, both mounted on the roof. These have been
around for 50 years, and were pioneered by companies like 
In
the 1980's, a new collector system was developed in Australia. the
more advanced evacuated tubes. The geometry of the tubes means that
they are passively tracking the sun all day, leading to an increase
in efficiency. 
The
second solar hot water technology is the heat pump. They have been
on the Australian market for over 25 years- a well-kept secret from
most Australians!
