Solar Hot Water.Done Right.

How solar hot water works

Solar collectors on the roof absorb heat from the sun and pass it to water or a heat-transfer fluid. That heat ends up in a storage tank. A booster, which runs on gas or electricity, tops the water up when the sun is not enough. In a sunny month the booster may hardly run. In a dull week it carries more of the load. How much you save depends on your roof, your location and how much hot water the household uses.

Does your roof suit solar

A roof that faces north or close to it, with little shade across the day, suits solar best. Trees, a neighbour's extension or a steep or fragile roof change the picture. The roof also has to carry the weight of the collectors, and a tank mounted on the roof adds more. Ask for a site check before you commit, and compare the result with a heat pump, which needs outdoor space and not roof space.

Repairs and servicing

A solar system that has stopped heating well may have a failed booster, a faulty pump or controller, a leaking collector, a tired pressure and temperature relief valve or scale inside the pipes. Do not climb onto the roof to look. From the ground, check for broken glass or tubes, leaks around the tank and any error lights on the controller, then tell the plumber what you see.

Frost, heat and hard water

Collectors face the weather every day. In cold areas, frost protection matters, and in hot weather the system has to shed extra heat without damage. Hard water can leave scale inside collectors and pipes. Ask the maker how the model handles each of these, and what the service intervals are.

The booster and running costs

The booster runs when the sun cannot do the job, so running costs depend on the season, the size of the system and household use. Ask how the booster is controlled, whether it can be timed to run when your power or gas is cheapest, and whether it has a manual override for guests or a big wash day.

Replacing an old system

Old systems can fail at the tank, the collectors or the pump. Replacement does not have to be solar for solar. A plumber can compare a new solar system with a heat pump, an electric tank or a gas unit for your home, based on roof, space, gas supply and budget. Keep the maker's warranty and the compliance certificate for whichever you choose.

Rebates and discounts

Several Victorian programs may help with the cost of a hot water upgrade, and each has its own eligibility rules that change over time. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program lists hot water system discounts at energy.vic.gov.au, and Solar Victoria publishes its hot water rebate and eligibility checklist at solar.vic.gov.au. Read the current terms on those official sites before you sign, and ask your installer which program, if any, applies to your home. We do not promise any discount or approval.

Questions to ask before you sign

What is the condition and direction of my roof? What booster fuel does this model use and how is it controlled? What does each warranty cover, for the collectors, the tank and the booster separately? Who services it and how often? What happens to my old system? A written answer to each is worth having.

A licensed plumber must install the plumbing side and provide compliance paperwork where required.

Questions people ask about solar hot water

Does solar hot water still work on cloudy days?

The collectors still gather some heat on cloudy days, but less. The booster covers the gap, so you should still have hot water. Output is lower in winter.

Can I add solar to my existing tank?

Some systems use a separate roof tank and some use a ground-level tank with roof collectors. Whether your existing tank can be used depends on the model and the condition of the tank, so ask for an assessment.

How long does a solar system last?

Life depends on the model, the water quality and maintenance. Collectors and tanks are often warranted for different periods, so read the warranty for each part.

Do I need council approval?

Some properties, such as those with heritage overlays, may have rules about roof-mounted equipment. Check with your council before you order.

What if my roof needs repairs soon?

Do the roof work first or plan to remove and refit the collectors. Mounting solar on a roof that needs replacing makes the later job more expensive and awkward.

Roof position, shade and the tank

Solar hot water needs a roof that gets good sun for most of the day. Shade from trees or buildings reduces output. The collectors and tank are heavy, so the roof structure matters.

A site visit lets the installer check orientation, shading and pipe runs.

Backup heating and cloudy weeks

Systems include a booster, gas or electric, for low sun periods. Ask how it is controlled and what it costs to run in winter. Compare with heat pumps for your roof and household.

Ask about the warranty and service for collectors and pumps.

Costs, rebates and what to check

Rebates and discounts for solar hot water change over time and depend on your eligibility. Solar Victoria publishes current information at https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate. Check the current terms there before you commit, and ask the installer how any rebate is handled.

Compare the quote with other types, including heat pumps. Ask about warranties on collectors, the tank and the pump, and who services the system.

Related plumbing services

• Hot Water Systems: Hot water repairs and replacement for gas, electric, heat pump and solar systems.
• Gas Hot Water Systems: Gas storage and continuous flow hot water systems repaired, serviced and installed.
• Electric Hot Water Systems: Electric storage hot water repaired and replaced, including element and thermostat faults.
• Heat Pump Hot Water: Heat pump hot water installation and plumbing for lower running costs.
• Emergency plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Talk to GSA Plumbing Services

Call 0401 041 103 or send an enquiry on the contact page. We work across Geelong, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.