Which Solar Hot Water System Is Best for Me? A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Choosing the right solar hot water system for your home makes a significant difference. It’s not just about saving money on energy bills; it’s about finding a solution that fits your lifestyle and needs.

The best solar hot water system for you depends on factors like your household size, available roof space, and hot water usage patterns. For Perth residents, systems designed to handle the local climate and sunlight conditions are key.

Eurosun offers a range of solar hot water system options tailored specifically for Perth homes. From compact systems for small households to larger setups for big families, there’s a solution to match your requirements. Let’s explore the choices to help you make an informed decision for a solar PV system for your home.

Understanding Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems use the sun’s energy to heat water for your home. They help you save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Types of Solar Hot Water Systems

There are two main types of solar water systems: Flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors.

Flat-plate solar collectors are made up of a dark, flat surface that absorbs heat from the sun. They’re cheaper but less energy-efficient in cold weather. Evacuated tube collectors use glass tubes to trap heat.

Both types can be set up as either direct or indirect systems. Direct systems heat water straight into the collector. Indirect systems use a heat exchanger to warm the water. For homes in Perth, flat-plate collectors often work well due to the sunny climate.

Solar Panels and Solar Collectors

Solar PV panels are the heart of your hot water system. They capture the sun’s heat and use it to warm the water. Flat-plate solar collectors look like big, dark glass panels on your roof. Evacuated tube collectors have rows of glass tubes instead.

The size of your hot water tank collector depends on how much hot water you use. A typical family home might need 3-4 square metres of flat-plate collectors or 20-30 evacuated tubes.

Storage Tank and Boosters

A storage tank is an insulated container that stores the heated water from solar collectors, ensuring hot water is available even when there is no sunlight. Your solar hot water system needs a tank to store heated water. A storage tank comes in different sizes, from about 150 to 400 litres.

Most storage tanks have a booster for cloudy days or high-use times. This can be an electric or gas booster. Electric boosters are cheaper to install but cost more to run. Gas boosters cost more upfront but are cheaper to use.

In Perth’s climate, you might not need to use your booster much. However, it’s always good to have for those rare stretches of cloudy days throughout winter. Some systems let you control when the booster turns on, helping you save even more energy.

Your storage tank can go on the roof with the solar collectors or on the ground. A roof storage tank is good for small spaces but adds weight to your roof. Ground tanks are easier to maintain and work well with most other heat pumps and pump systems.

Assessing Your Hot Water Needs

Figuring out your solar hot water options and needs is key to choosing the right solar hot water system. It helps you pick a new hot water system that’s just right for your home and lifestyle.

Household Size and Water Usage

The number of people in your home affects how much hot water you use. A family of four typically needs a bigger system than a couple. Think about your daily habits too. For example; your standard shower durations or how long it typically takes you to wash the dishes with hot or cold water.

For small households in Perth, a 180-litre tank might be enough. Larger families might need 300 litres or more.

It’s good to consider guests or future family changes. If you often have visitors or plan to grow your family, you might want a bigger system.

Climatic Conditions

Perth’s climate is great for solar hot water systems. It gets about 8 hours of sunshine per day on average. This means your water heater system works well year-round.

But consider seasonal changes too. Winter days are shorter and cooler. Your system might need a boost from an electric or gas backup during these times. Coastal areas might need systems that can handle salty air. Inland areas may deal with more extreme temperature swings. Your location in Perth can affect which system works best for you.

Home Energy Profile

Look at your current energy use. Check your bills to see how much you spend on your hot water supply and heating. This helps you understand potential cost savings with a solar system.

Think about your roof too. See whether it’s facing the correct way for solar panels. North-facing roofs are ideal in Australia. They catch the most sun throughout the day. Your home’s insulation matters as well. Good insulation keeps hot water hot for longer.

Consider other energy-saving steps you’ve taken. Things like low-flow shower heads reduce hot water use. This might mean you get by with a smaller system.

Costs and Financial Incentives

Choosing a solar hot water system involves weighing costs, benefits and available incentives. Let’s look at the key factors that affect your wallet.

Upfront and Long-Term Costs

A solar hot water system in Perth typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000 to install. Prices vary based on system size, type and brand. Flat plate collectors are usually cheaper than evacuated tubes. While the upfront cost is higher than traditional systems, you’ll save on energy bills over time.

Maintenance costs are generally low. You might need to replace parts like valves or sacrificial anodes every few years. It’s a good idea to budget about $200-$300 every 5 years for upkeep.

Rebates and Government Incentives

The Australian Government offers Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for solar hot water systems. These reduce $500-$1,000 from your upfront costs. The exact amount depends on your system size and location in Perth.

Some local councils in Western Australia also offer different rebates. Check with your council to see if you’re eligible for a solar rebate or extra savings.

Saving Potential Over Time

A solar hot water heating system cuts your water heating costs on grid electricity by 50-80%. For a typical Perth household, this could mean savings of $300-$500 per year on conventional gas and solar electricity bills.

Your exact savings will depend on:

  • Your hot water usage
  • The size and efficiency of your system
  • Local weather conditions

Most systems pay for themselves within 5-10 years. After that, you’ll enjoy hot water for a long time. Remember to factor in rising electricity prices when calculating long-term savings. As energy costs go up, your solar hot water system becomes even more valuable.

solar hot water system by eurosun

Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency

Solar hot water systems offer major benefits for the environment and your energy use. They help cut greenhouse gas emissions while saving you money on power bills.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Solar hot water systems slash your carbon footprint. They use the sun’s free energy instead of fossil fuels. This cuts your greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3 tonnes per year.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

Look for hot water systems that have high energy efficiency ratings, as they help you pick the best gas hot water system for your needs and usage.

The top models that Eurosun sells reach up to 5 stars. These use very little backup power. They work well even on cloudy days. Look for the energy consumption rating label when choosing your system. It shows you how much energy the system will use each year.

Sustainability Considerations

Solar hot water systems last a long time. Many work well for 15-20 years. This makes them a sustainable choice for your home. The materials used to install solar hot water systems can be recycled. This further reduces their impact on the environment.

Selecting a Brand and Installation

Choosing the right solar hot water system brand and managing proper installation are key steps in getting the most out of your investment. Quality, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and expert fitting all play crucial roles in long-term performance and savings.

Comparing Brands and Quality

When looking at solar electric hot water system brands in Perth, Solahart stands out as a top choice. Solahart offers reliable electric hot water systems with good warranties. Solahart is an Australian company with a long history in the market. They make sturdy systems suited to Perth’s climate.

It’s worth comparing the energy ratings and tank sizes across brands. This helps you find the best fit for your household needs. Check customer reviews and ask about the expected lifespan of different systems. A quality brand should last 15-20 years with proper care.

Understanding Installation Requirements

Proper installation is crucial for your solar hot water system to work well. You’ll need a north-facing roof area that gets plenty of sun. The roof must be strong enough to hold the solar panels or collectors. Your plumber will check this during a site visit.

Most installs take 1-2 days. The team will set up the solar panels, tank, and piping. They’ll also connect the system to your existing plumbing. You might need extra work if your current setup is old or not up to code.

It’s best to use certified installers like Eurosun. We understand local rules and ensure your system meets all safety standards.

Maintenance and Reliability

Solar hot water systems need minimal upkeep. Nonetheless, general maintenance helps them last longer and work better. Yearly checks catch small issues before they grow. This often includes cleaning the panels and checking fluid levels.

You can do some simple tasks yourself. Keep an eye on your energy bills and hot water output. Big changes might mean there’s a problem. Also, trim any trees that start to shade your panels.

Reliability varies between brands and models. Higher-end systems often have better parts and stronger builds. This means fewer repairs over time. When choosing, weigh the upfront cost against long-term savings from a more reliable system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right solar hot water system for your Perth home involves considering efficiency, cost, and household needs. Let’s address some common questions to help you make an informed decision.

How can I determine the most efficient solar hot water system available?

Look for systems with high energy ratings and Solar Energy Factors (SEF). Check the number of collector panels and tank size. More panels and larger tanks often mean better efficiency. Ask about the system’s performance in Perth’s climate.

What factors should I consider when choosing a solar water heater?

Think about your household size, hot water usage, and roof space. Consider the system’s durability and warranty. Perth’s sunny climate is great for solar power, but you’ll need a backup for cloudy days. Don’t forget to check if government rebates still are available.

What size of the solar hot water system would be adequate for my household requirements?

For a small family (2-3 people), a 300L system is usually enough. Larger families (4-5 people) might need a 400L system. If you have more than 5 people, consider a 500L system. Your daily hot water use is key in choosing the right size.

Which solar hot water system offers the best value for money in the Australian market?

Eurosun systems are known for their quality and value. They’re designed for Australian conditions and come with solid warranties. The initial cost might be higher, but the long-term savings on energy bills make them a smart choice.

How do solar hot water system prices compare with traditional gas-boosted options?

Solar systems cost more upfront but save money over time. In Perth, where sunshine is plentiful, you’ll see bigger savings. Gas systems are cheaper to buy but cost more to run. Solar systems cut your hot water and gas bills by up to 90%.

Thinking of Installing a Solar Hot Water System? Contact Eurosun Today!

Ready to reduce your energy bills and switch to a sustainable hot water solution? Eurosun offers high-performance systems tailored for Perth homes. If you’re looking for heat pump systems then you can also view the full range of Eurosun heat pump hot water options. Contact us today for a free quote and start saving!