Solar hot water systems are great for the environment but require a long-term commitment before you see a financial benefit.
If you’re building a new home or replacing an existing hot water cylinder, a solar hot water system will cut your power bill and help the environment but it will suit some house-holds more than others.
Solar Sky Lights and Solar Pool heating options are also available – ask our staff for more information.
How it works
A solar hot-water system consists of a collector panel to gather heat from the sun, a storage cylinder for the hot water, and pipes and valves to connect them together. The cylinder can be mounted on the roof or inside the building.
Roof-mounted cylinders are usually combined with the collector panel. The cylinder is higher than the panel, so the water can circulate naturally as it heats. This is called thermosyphoning and doesn't need any electrical supply.
Internal cylinders can be located in the roof space or in a hot-water cupboard. With this approach, the two units are joined by insulated pipes to carry heated water directly from the panel to the cylinder.
Although thermosyphoning can be arranged, an internal cylinder is usually located lower than the panel and an electric pump is used to circulate the water. A temperature sensor in the panel turns the pump on when required, transferring hot water to the cylinder.
Solar systems usually have a backup electric element in the cylinder to heat the water when there is little solar input.
There are many factors to take into consideration if you are interested installing a solar hot water heating system and we recommend you contact at least two professional suppliers before deciding on a system for you. We can help you decide whether a solar heating system will suit your needs.
