It’s not surprising that in a country as vast as Australia, with some of the most powerful sun in the world, more households are switching to solar. This includes hot water systems. In fact, according to Clean Energy Council, in 2020 alone, 72,953 solar water heating (SWH) systems were installed across the country, the highest number since 2011.
While gas and electric water systems remain prevalent, solar water heating is a smart, sustainable way to reduce energy bills and reliance on fossil fuels. But one factor many homeowners don’t carefully consider is where they place the system. Whether your solar hot water panels are mounted on the roof or on the ground can make a big difference in performance, cost, and suitability for your property.
Let’s compare roof vs ground-mounted solar water heating systems. We’ll look at their pros, cons, and key considerations so you can make the best choice for your home.
Before we look at the differences between roof and ground mounting, it’s important to understand exactly how these solar hot water systems operate. A solar water heating system uses collectors (either flat-plate or evacuated tube solar panels) to absorb the sun’s heat energy. This heat is then transferred into a storage tank, providing households with a steady supply of hot water without relying solely on electricity or gas.
One of the most critical performance factors is the solar panel positioning. Panels need to be installed at the correct angle and orientation to maximise sun exposure throughout the day. You may have noticed that solar panels on Australian roofs are usually angled north to capture maximum sunlight in the southern hemisphere. The same principle applies to solar water heaters. Poor placement can reduce efficiency and increase electricity bills or reliance on backup heating (whether gas or electric).
Let’s start with roof-mounted systems, which are by far the most common choice in Australian homes. The main reason for this is that by using the roof space, you’re making use of an area that would otherwise go unused.
While rarer, it’s also worth mentioning the split system, where the solar collectors (panels) and the storage tank are separated.
This differs from a roof-mounted system, where the tank and collectors are combined on the roof.
While not as popular as roof-mounted solar water heaters, ground-mounted solar water heaters have their own advantages that make them a great option for the right circumstances. Larger properties with ample unshaded land often benefit most from ground-mounted systems.
Here’s how the two options compare across the key factors that matter most to Australian households.
When deciding between roof and ground-mounted solar water heating, start by asking yourself a few key questions:
By considering these questions, you can match the system type to your property and household needs for the best performance and value.
Both roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar water heating systems have their pros and cons, depending on your property layout. You also need to consider maintenance preferences and energy goals. To recap, roof-mounted systems save space and optimise sunlight exposure. And ground-mounted systems provide easier access and flexible positioning.
To determine the best solution for your home, contact a licensed professional who can provide tailored advice and installation options. Or, explore our full range of solar water heating systems and get a quote today.
The best solar water heater maximises energy efficiency and effectively captures the sun’s energy for your household’s needs.
Roof-mounted solar panels can face shading, limited roof space, and aesthetic concerns that may affect energy efficiency.
A solar water system paired with a backup or split system provides high energy efficiency by using excess solar energy whenever available.
Solar water heating systems can be impacted by weather, roof orientation, and higher upfront costs despite harnessing the sun’s energy.