Solar Sunwerx

Solar Hot Water Frequently Asked Questions

What is a solar hot water system?
A solar hot water system converts sunlight into heat using special evacuated collector tubes and a hot water tank.

What is the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?
A solar power system uses silicon cells and light to produce electricity. A solar hot water system uses black pipes, evacuated tubes and the sun’s heat to heat water.

What size solar hot water system should I buy?
It depends on your current hot water usage, but a rule of thumb is 3-4 people a 270 litre tank with 15 heat collector tubes, 4-6 people a 340 litre tank with 32 heat collector tubes.

How much will it cost?
For a smaller electric system it will cost you as little as $2400 fully installed after rebates, but could save you over $400 per year in energy bills (more as energy costs rise). A gas solar hot water system will cost around $3200 installed after rebates.

How much will a system save?
A gas solar hot water system in Melbourne could save up to $700 off your energy bills compared to an older electric hot water system, and up to 7 tons a year less greenhouse gas emissions. Solar hot water can be up to 87% efficient, that is you only use a bit more than 10% of the energy of an older electric or gas hot water heater.

Will my solar hot water system continue to work during a blackout or if the gas is turned off?
Yes, your solar hot water system will provide most or all of your hot water even if you lose power or
gas, meaning you can have a hot shower anytime you want.

Am I eligible for a rebate?
If you are building a new home you are not eligible for a rebate, but for most other situations you will be eligible for a rebate when you are replacing or upgrading your hot water system to solar. We can confirm this with you prior to placing your order.

How long before I get my rebate?
The rebates are usually applied to the retail cost as a discount at the time of purchase, so there is no waiting. For some systems getting a federal rebate, this is mailed to you after installation.

Why use solar hot water?
• It is quiet, clean energy and reduces electricity bills.
• It avoids the impacts of fossil fuel power stations such as greenhouse gas emissions and local
air pollution.
• It can add value to your house, as more buyers are looking at energy efficiency and running
costs of homes.

If I have solar hot water, does that mean I won’t have hot water when it’s dark, cloudy or raining?
Solar hot water systems do need bright sunlight to produce heat. There is usually enough energy to provide some hot water even on a rainy or overcast day. This is why you need a gas or electric booster, just in case it is not quite enough for all of your hot water.

Are solar hot water systems reliable?
Solar hot water systems are covered by Australian standards and installed by trained professionals. The actual life of the solar hot water system is expected to be more than 15 years. Solar hot water has been used in Australia for over 40 years with many systems lasting over 30 years.

How reflective are the solar collector tubes?
The solar collector tubes on the roof are designed to absorb as much light as possible to generate the maximum amount of heat. Therefore the materials typically have no or low reflectivity.

What about heritage-listed areas?
It depends on the council’s regulations, so it is best to check with your local council. We can do this for you.

Do I need home building insurance to install?
No, but updating your Home and Contents insurance is a good idea if you have a solar system. As with all major household purchases, make sure that your solar hot water system is included.

What if my roof doesn’t face north?
North-facing roofs are ideal for solar power, but most systems can work up to an angle of 45 degrees off North, or a system can be designed on a side-pitch array frame for West, and West Facing roofs. If installed onto flat roofs they can be tilted to face the sun.

How long does the solar installation take?
A typical installation typically takes less than one day depending on your property. We will inspect your site to determine the ease of installation. The installation includes connection of the solar hot water system to your existing hot water pipes, to mains power, and to gas if using a gas booster.

Do solar hot water systems ever pay themselves back?
The solar hot water system will produce hot water every day. A solar hot water system is a long-term investment with a typical payback or around 6-8 years. As prices go up, the payback will shorten. However, keep in mind that solar hot water systems are a similar price to many other home renovations and consumer goods, which will never pay themselves back e.g. home theatre, new carpet, swimming pool, a new kitchen or even a car. Solar hot water systems will save you over $400-$700 a year whereas typical hot water systems will cost you over $400-$700 per year. So although a solar hot water system might cost $3200, after 6-8 years it has paid for itself in savings and gives you free hot water every day after that, a non solar system costs $1500 installed, but after 8 years has cost you $4700 including running costs. So the real payback for solar hot water is under 5 years because that is the breakeven point when comparing real costs of solar and non solar systems.

Will solar hot water system damage my roof structure?
Your roof has been designed to carry a lot of weight and most roofs will hold solar hot water systems without the need for reinforcement. There is no tank on the roof which would require any structural support as the tank is on the ground. Solar hot water tubes and framing are attached to the rafters of the house so that the load is ultimately borne by the roof structure not the roof material (e.g. tiles). The installer will design your solar hot water system to take account of the roof structure. Solar hot water systems are waterproofed so the roof won’t leak.

Are they easily maintained?
Yes. Solar hot water systems are designed so that they need little or no maintenance. Dust typically reduces output by less than 5% but since solar panels are sloped and curved, the rain keeps them clean. You may need to hose them down after long periods of little rain but it will make very little difference if you don’t.

Will my solar hot water system survive a hailstorm?
Yes. Solar tubes are made of toughened glass and are generally indestructible. They are also sloped and curved so hail tends to glance off rather than hit directly. A single tube can be replaced in the event of damage without affecting the rest of the system, unlike flat plate solar hot water where the whole collector would have to be replaced.

Is my solar hot water system safe?
As accredited installers, our installations comply with the Australian Standards for solar hot water systems and are done by qualified and trained plumbers.

More Information
www.solarsunwex.com.au
www.greenhouse.gov.au
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

Download the Solar Sunwerx Solar Hot Water FAQ sheet