FAQ Solar Hot Water

Water heating accounts for around 25%1 of the average Australian household’s energy use, clearly outweighing other forms of energy consumption.

The great thing about solar water heaters is that they store energy from the sun in a storage tank for later use, which is in effect, just like a battery. And because they are so efficient, solar water heater collectors take up about ⅓^ of the roof space needed for an equivalent sized solar power system.

Getting your hot water free from the sun® not only saves energy but also saves greenhouse gas emissions that would have been produced in the generation of that energy. By replacing an electric storage water heater with a Solahart Solar Water Heater, you could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 tonnes a year*, which is the equivalent of taking a small car off the road.

Solar water heaters are so good for the environment that they qualify for government incentives in the form of Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs), making it more cost-effective to get into solar hot water. The financial benefit of these STCs can significantly reduce the purchase price of your solar water heater.

All solar water heaters include electric or gas boosters to ensure you have hot water even during the colder, darker days of winter and on those rainy days. By selecting the right Solahart model for your area and your family’s hot water usage patterns, you can minimise the need to use the booster.

Each STC represents the equivalent of one megawatt hour of electricity generation from an accredited renewable energy source such as a solar water heater or solar power system.
The financial benefit from assigning your right to create STCs for your solar installation can be used to reduce the purchase price of your new Solahart.

The number of STCs created varies with the size/model of solar water heater or solar power system and the region (or zone) in which the unit is installed. The value of an STC is not fixed and varies depending on market factors.

Savings will vary depending on which part of Australia you live in, the type of water heater being replaced, the amount of hot water you use, the model of solar hot water system installed, the orientation and inclination of the collectors and, your fuel tariff. Maximum financial savings are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on a continuous tariff, or an inefficient 3-star gas storage water heater.

Our split system solar water heaters allow you to enjoy all the benefits of Solahart’s advanced solar technology – without the tank on the roof. With a Solahart Split System, the low profile collectors are on your roof and the tank installed at ground level. 

If your current hot water system breaks down, Solahart can have you back in hot water quickly.

Financial payback will vary depending on your circumstances, but with the available incentives plus the ongoing energy savings, you can begin to recover your additional investment straight away. After you have paid off your initial investment, the savings are yours to spend on yourself and your family, year after year.

Solahart has a range of Interest-Free options available, without the need for a deposit.#

The best Solahart unit for your needs will depend on the following key factors:

• The amount of available sun
• Susceptibility to frost
• The water chemistry in your area
• How many people are in the home and their typical hot water usage patterns.

With over 60 years experience in solar, we are here for the long haul. Every system we install is backed by a trusted Solahart warranty. In the unlikely event of a problem, our team of Solahart dealers are there to fix it!

Switching to Solahart has never been more affordable thanks to our flexible Interest-Free solutions#. Visit our website to see our latest offers.

To choose the best water heater for your family, call your local Solahart expert and arrange a free solar consultation to ensure you pick the right unit for your circumstances.