Frequently asked questions
about solar hot water

What are the environmental benefits of a solar hot water system?

Water heating accounts for around 25% of the average household’s energy usage. Getting your hot water free from the sun not only saves energy, it also saves the greenhouse emissions that would have been produced in the generation of that energy. By replacing an electric storage water heater with a gas boosted solar hot water system you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3 and 3.4 tonnes a year, the equivalent of taking a small car off the road. In fact solar water heaters are so good for the environment that STC’s (formerly Renewable Energy Certificates) and some government incentives exist to make it easier to get into solar hot water.

How much will a solar hot water system save me?

This will vary depending on your current hot water system and hot water consumption, the model of solar hot water system you install, the orientation and inclination of the system’s collectors and the gas or power prices in your area.

Maximum financial savings off your hot water bill are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on continuous tariff and changing to an evacuated tube solar hot water system with a continuous gas booster.

Also state, federal and council rebates usually apply and you should contact us directly to find out if you are eligible.

What Government rebates are available?

Some state governments and the federal government in Australia offer rebates to encourage the use of solar water heating. The Federal Government is offering a $1000 rebate if you replace your existing electric storage water heater with a solar water heater or $600 if you replace it with a heat pump water heater. In Melbourne you may also be eligible for V.E.E.C’s and other council incentives which can dramatically reduce the cost of the system. Contact our team today to see what you are eligible for.

What are STC’s (formerly Renewable Energy Certificates)?

Each STC represents the equivalent of one megawatt hour of electricity generation from an accredited renewable energy source. For solar water heaters each STC represents the displacement by solar energy of one megawatt hour of electricity generation from a non-renewable energy source.

The installation of a solar or heat pump water heater in your property may be eligible for the creation of STC’s. The financial benefit from assigning your right to create STC’s for your solar or heat pump water heater installation can be used to reduce the purchase price of your system.

The number of STC’s which may be created varies with the model of solar or heat pump water heater and the region in which the unit is installed. The value of an STC is not fixed and varies from “time to time” so it’s best to get up to date advice and information from our solar hot water consultants.

How long does it take to pay for itself?

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

Do the systems take long to install?

If your current hot water system breaks down the team at Fresh Living can have you back in hot water within 24 hours, in most instances, with a temporary system while you wait for your installation, to take away the inconvenience of cold showers. A new solar hot water system usually takes 1-2 days to complete depending upon complexity and we will never leave you without hot water overnight.

Why do solar water heaters have boosters?

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

Which solar hot water system is right for us?

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

• The amount of available sun including shading etc. from trees and buildings.
• Is the area prone to frost?
• How many people in the home and their typical hot water usage.
• Available North facing roof area.
• Whether gas is available on your property.

To choose the best water heater for your family, call our expert solar hot water consultant who will help you pick the right unit for your current and future circumstances.

Is there an alternative to putting the tank on the roof?

Yes, there are many split system options which have the tank on the ground and collector on the roof.

Alternatively you can choose a Siddons Solarstream premium Heat Pump which uses heat pump technology to extract heat from the surrounding air, without the need for solar collectors at all. These are a great option for changing over an electric system and where gas may not be available or too costly to get to the other side of the house.

What if I don’t have the money now?

Contact us to discuss interest free options available and in some cases without the need for a deposit to approved customers* conditions do apply.