Solar
Hot Water Systems in Australia
Solar
Hot Water Systems have been pioneered
in Australia. Over 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
- Quantum
- Solartech
- Edwards
- Beasley
- Rheem
- Dux
This
wide range of solar water heater brands and styles includes two
fundamentally different designs, that draw their heat from two different
sources.
The
majority, like the Solartech, are the traditional flat plate systems,
with collector panels on your roof that collect the radiant heat
of the sun during the day to heat the water. They are more economical
than electric or gas water heaters, and have electric or gas boosters
for when there is insufficient sun.
The
second design is the heat pump water heater, represented in the
above list by Quantum.
These
units act like a reverse-cycle air conditioner in winter, extracting
warmth from the air, and pumping it into your home. It's not a new
idea- your refrigerator does the same thing, but in reverse!
Both
systems reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, whether it be gas,
or any fossil fuel used to produce electricity. Any flat plate solar
hot water system should save in excess of 3.5 tonnes of greenhouse
emissions a year, not to mention a healthy saving on your energy
bill (calculated at close to $400 in the ACT).
With
their extra efficiency, and NO need for boosting, the heat pump
water heaters save even more greenhouse gas emissions (over 4 tonnes),
and even more money on your energy bill.
Whether
you choose to get your free hot water from the radiant heat of the
sun (flate plate units) or from thin air (heat pump units), you'll
save yourself a packet each and every year on your energy bills,
and make an important contribution to the environment by drastically
reducing your greenhouse gas emissions. Below is a graph showing
a comparison of the energy consumption to make hot water for a typical
family of four over a one year period, using different technologies.

Yes,
there is an extra cost. Standard gas and electric hot water systems
cost less when you buy them. But you pay more every time you
get an energy bill, and the total over the life of the hot
water heater can be frightening. If you were paying $400 extra per
year, that would be $6000 over a 15-year period. Surely it's worth
spending another $1000 or so, to save $6000?
"But",
you say, "solar hot water systems cost much more than $1000
more than a gas or electric systems."
Yes,
you're right, if you only look at the list price. Fortunately,
the Australian Government knows the value to the environment of
these water heaters, and it provides a financial incentive to you
to buy one. The incentives (called REC's, or Renewable Energy Certificates)
vary from model to model, and from region to region, but don't be
surprised if you can get back $900-$1000 much of the time. In some
states, you can also get an additional rebate. In the ACT
(Canberra), the amount is commonly around $700.
Crunch
the numbers for yourself, and you'll find that you just can't
afford to buy a cheap, but inefficient water heater. Your heart,
your head, and your wallet can all agree that it's a great investment
to buy a solar or heat pump water heater!
For
further information of the Solartech
Genius Solar Hot Water System, click here.
For
further information on the Quantum
Heat Pump Hot Water System, click here.
For
enviro-friendly tips and news, be sure to
and please, tell your friends about us!
Call Enviro-Friendly today on 0431 457 091 or 0422 181 048, and find out how we can help you
"Save water, save energy, save
money, and save the environment."
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