Solar hot water
Australia is one of the most sun-soaked nations on the planet so it is essential that we harness this renewable, clean and green energy source to help reduce carbon emissions and your electricity bill. Many households in Australia are well positioned to use the free energy from the sun to heat household water.
Why Switch to Solar Hot Water?
- Conventional water heating is a big drain on home energy use, accounting for up to 40% of your bill.
- Switching to solar hot water heating could cut your hot water bills by 90% and save you around $300 a year on energy bills!
- A solar hot water heater can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of an average family by as much as 4 tonnes of CO2 per year - the equivalent of taking a car off the road!
- In as few as 3 years, your investment in a solar hot water heating system will have been paid off and your hot water will be sourced virtually free from the sun!
- Installing a gas or electric boosted system should ensure you have hot water on those few cloudy days.
- Great government rebates are on offer! See: Rebate Information Fact Sheet
Annual running costs of different hot water systems Sustainability Victoria 2005
Hot water efficiency tips
To make the most of your hot water system:
- Insulate hot water pipes - especially outside the house,
- Install water-efficient showerheads,
- Fix dripping taps.
Rebates and links
- To find out more about government rebates, see the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund and the Australian Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate Program.
- To find a local installer, visit the Clean Energy Council
- For more info, visit the Alternative Technology Association