PlumbSpec Sensational Solar Hot Water Systems

Now is the time to install solar hot water systems, before the Summer rush. Take advantage of Australia’s abundant supply of sunshine.

A solar hot water system should provide between 50 and 90 percent of your hot water needs. A booster heater is also included in the system to boost water temperature on days when the solar energy may be insufficient to meet your requirements, boosters may be run on off-peak electricity, or gas (natural or LPG). A gas booster produces less greenhouse gas emissions.

How Does A Solar Hot Water System Work?
Solar hot water systems use solar collectors to capture energy from sunlight and transfer that energy to heat your water.

There are two types of solar collectors available:
Flat Panels save space in the home with the tank normally roof mounted and can be cheaper to install.
Evacuated Tubing

• Offer a larger exposed surface area to capture more heat
• More efficient at transferring heat (especially in Australian conditions)
• Can be used in sub-zero temperatures (use solutions that won’t freeze)
• Easier to maintain with separate replaceable components
• Provide excellent performance in overcast conditions
• Require less roof area
• Suffer less from corrosion

What if it’s a cloudy day?
Even on cloudy days solar systems can still capture heat, although it won’t be as efficient as during full sunlight. If this isn’t enough to keep your water hot, then the booster (either electric or gas) is used and will kick in when the temperature is below a certain level. These boosters will then automatically switch off again when the temperature rises.

Why choose a Solar Hot Water System?
By installing a solar hot water heating system in your home or business you can:

1. ENJOY free energy from the sun
2. PROTECT yourself from rising energy costs
3. SAVE up to 90 percent on your water heating bills*
4. OFFSET investment cost with government rebates
5. Access RELIABLE hot water 24/7
6. DECREASE your household’s carbon footprint
7. INCREASE the value of your property

Some ‘Green’ facts for you to ponder over:
Water heating is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from an average Australian home and the second largest segment of household energy use in Australia, after space heating and cooling. It accounts for about 21 percent of the energy and generates about 23 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions (DCCEE 2010).

In Australia, about 48 percent of the energy used for water heating comes from natural gas, 45 percent from electricity, 3 percent from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and 4 percent from solar (DCCEE 2012). Electric water heaters contribute to these emissions: only half of Australian homes use electric water heaters, but they contribute 80 percent of hot water greenhouse emissions. Reducing your hot water use and using renewable energy sources to heat water are great ways to reduce your environmental impact.