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Solar Hot Water Systems in AustraliaSolar 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
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.
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
©Enviro-Friendly.com 2002-2012 All information provided in good faith- E&OE |
This
wide range of solar water heater brands and styles includes two
fundamentally different designs, that draw their heat from two different
sources. 
The
second design is the heat pump water heater, represented in the
above list by Quantum. 
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