Hot water is an essential part of modern life. We rely on it to keep us clean, healthy and comfortable, and expect it to be ready to go at the turn of a knob or push of a button. Our reliance on hot water can make a high energy bill feel like a personal attack or cause a malfunctioning water heater to ruin our day. With solar water, you can enjoy your hot water in peace, knowing that the world’s biggest energy source, the sun, will keep your hot water in good supply while costing you less.
Depending on the climate you live in, solar hot water can provide up to 90% of your hot water for no cost, without producing greenhouse gas emissions. Heating water can account for more than 30% of your household energy costs, as the system often runs continuously to heat dishwashers, run washing machines, and fill bathtubs.
Along with the regular savings on your hot water usage, having solar water heating in your home can make you eligible for government rebates for solar energy.
Along with these savings, solar hot water systems tend to have a longer life expectancy than traditional hot water systems. Thus, solar hot water systems have improved over time to become Australian-weather-resistant, have high storage capacity, and even track the sun to make their heating more efficient. Read on to discover why solar hot water is the most efficient choice for your home.
A solar water heater uses solar power to heat your water.
This power is captured by collectors on the roof of your home and converted into a transfer fluid before it moves through a series of pipes, known as heat exchangers, in the solar water storage tank.
The heat is then transferred to your water, ready for use in your home.
A solar water heater takes up very little space on your rooftop and stores unused energy for later use, making it an incredibly efficient system overall. Installing solar hot water provides energy savings equivalent to taking a car off the road every year, and it is a great way to reduce both your carbon footprint and the cost of running your household.
The panels and collectors of your system can make all the difference to the quality and reliability of your hot water.
There are two main types of solar hot water systems: low-line and high-liner.
Lo-line systems draw cold water from the storage tank to be heated by roof-mounted panels before circulating it back into the tank.
A hi-line system is entirely on the roof and utilises an innovative process called the thermosiphon effect to heat the water.
The thermosiphon effect is the process by which hot water rises and cold water sinks in the solar panel and tank.
By reducing the need for mechanical components, a hi-line system can have fewer things go wrong, as the technology relies on the principle that hot water rises. The water moves based on its temperature, becoming less dense as it warms, causing it to rise into the collector. The storage tank is installed above the collector, allowing water to flow in without pumps or controllers.
In the above image, the thermosiphon process is used to support roof-mounted solar collectors through the following steps:
With these considerations in mind, a thermosiphon system can provide a reliable, cost-effective, low-maintenance way to keep your home’s hot water flowing for years to come.
The most common type of water heater in Australia is a storage-tank system, usually electric; however, it can be supplemented by a solar hot water system. Evacuated tube panel-type systems are usually best with a storage tank that will top up energy levels if the sun is having an off day.
Heat pump systems work similarly to air conditioners or refrigerators and use electricity to move heat from the air to water.
This type of water heater limits your ability to maximise the potential of your solar power. You would have to limit most of your hot water usage to the middle of the day, making morning and evening showers inefficient.
With many Australian homes feeling the strain of high energy bills, the time has never been more appropriate or more urgent to switch to more sustainable choices. If environmental consciousness plus a low energy bill is what you’re seeking in your next hot water system move, there is no better option than a solar hot water system that uses the thermosiphon effect.
A great example of this is the Rheem Solar Hot Water System Range, which features marine-grade stainless steel tanks, high-efficiency panels, and has both hi-line and lo-line options.
As Australia’s largest online retailer of hot water systems and water heaters, we are dedicated to bringing comprehensive solutions to your household’s hot water. With over 30 years of experience serving the Australian public, we are committed to excellent customer service, affordable prices and an extensive range to meet your hot water needs. Not only do we stock the most efficient and modern solar solutions, but we also guarantee the reliability and quality of each brand that we sell.
The major brands in our range include Rinnai, Bosch, Dux, Rheem, Vulcan, Aquamax, Quantum, Evoheat, and Stiebel Eltron. We have solutions in all shapes, sizes, and capacities to meet your needs.
Visit our online store today, or contact our team to discuss your installation, servicing and repairs. With our depth of knowledge, we can make your switch to solar as simple as possible.