Solar Hot Water Systems heat water by piping water through Solar Panels, most likely located on a roof, which the sun heats to a suitable temperature. The major difference between all of the different types of Solar Hot Water Systems is the way that they boost hot water capacity, either through electricity, natural gas or LPG.
Due to a Solar Hot Water System's ability to use Renewable energy to produce Hot Water and reduce the community's reliance on fossil fuels, the Victorian and Australian Governments offer rebates on the purchase and installation of a Solar Hot Water System. The Federal Government's Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Program allocates one REC for each Megawatt Hour per Year (MWh/yr) of electricity displaced by an eligible installation. The number of RECs your installation is eligible for is dependent on your installation location, capacity and efficiency. For more information on Government Rebates, please visit our Solar Rebate Information page.
For more information on Solar Hot Water Systems or Hot Water Systems in general, please contact your local Benton's Store.
Solar Installation Options
Tanks Locations
There are two methods of installation: Roof Mounted and Split System.
Roof Mounted Systems place the water storage tank with the Solar Panels on the roof of the property which eliminates the need for a tank to be an obstacle at ground level. However, they often require the roof of the house to be reinforced to cope with the extra weight.
Split Systems place the water storage tank at ground level, improving the aesthetics of the roof line and allowing components to be installed at separate times.
Solar Panels
The amount of Solar Panels installed is up to you: One panel systems work well, Two panel systems work even better and Three panel systems are better again. The only considerations are the strength of the roof and the space available. Solar Panels work best when placed as close as possible to facing North, as this greatly effects the amount of sunlight the panel receives during the day. It is also important that the panels are free from shade from other buildings and trees.
Gas Boosted Systems
Gas Boosted Systems use a Gas Instantaneous Hot Water System to boost Hot Water System capacity when there is not enough hot water being provided by the sun. They are more energy efficient than electric systems due to the efficiency of the Gas Booster only operating when the tap is turned on and when the water in the tank is less than 60°C. Available in LPG or Natural Gas. Natural Gas installations must have the appropriate Gas line to suit a system, which may need to be upgraded if required. It is recommended that Gas Boosted Systems be used unless Gas is unavailable.
Electric Boosted Systems
Electric Boosted Systems use electric elements to heat water in the storage tank when it gets below 60°C. The element keeps the tank hot when the water circulated in the panels is not warm enough. Electric Boosted Systems do not receive the same amount of Government Rebates as Gas Boosted as they are not as energy efficient. Those without access to :LPG or Natural Gas should consider Electric Boosted Systems and Heat Pump Systems.
Frost Protection
Morning frost can effect the operation of a Solar Hot Water System as the water in the pipes in the panels and between the tank and panels can freeze. If your home is in a Frost prone area, where temperatures can reach less than -6°C (dependant on panel manufacturer), it is mandatory that a Frost Protected Panel is installed for warranty purposes.
Heat Pump
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems are energy efficient electric hot water units that heat water by heating air in the unit that in turn heats the water in the tank. They are an alternative to Solar Hot Water Systems, saving almost as much energy and green house gas emissions, but without the Solar Panels. For more information, please visit our Guide to Heat Pump Hot Water Systems.
