Solar power hot water systems

With increasing awareness in the community about the impacts of fossil fuel use, solar hot water units are increasing in popularity. One issue, however, has always been the cost relative to gas or electric systems. Is it worth it to your hip pocket to install a solar power hot water system? With government rebates, these are now easier than ever to install, sometimes even working out to cost the homeowner nothing.

Solar hot water systems

How does using solar hot water compare to gas or electricity? First let's look at the two main types of solar power hot water systems:

• Most people would be aware of the evacuated tube solar hot water systems which you see on the roof of many a house. These are large black rectangles containing tubes that warm the water via radiant heat from the sun. When the sun isn't shining they are 'topped up' via more conventional gas or electric systems
• The other kind of system is the heat pump water heater which acts a little like a reverse cycle air conditioner. It only it takes heat from the surroundings and uses it to warm the water. It's sort of like what your refrigerator does, but in reverse

Are solar hot water systems expensive?

These sorts of solar hot water systems are not cheap to buy, but there are two things to consider when deciding if they will benefit your budget as well as the environment.

• There are rebates available for installing solar hot water systems, sometimes very considerable ones. In essence, solar hot water systems can be more expensive than conventional gas or electrical ones, but the rebates can potentially make them cheap or even free
• Once installed a solar hot water system will provide significant savings on your power bill on an ongoing basis

Companies like Energy Australia claim you can save almost $1600 on installing a system in NSW if you take account of rebates. It makes good sense to check out the government websites, which lists rebates available. In some circumstances, the cost of installing a solar hot water system will be entirely negated by the rebates, and will, in effect, be free however, you need to be aware that you may have to foot the bill initially, and then get refunded. The amount of rebate will depend on your individual circumstances.

Can solar hot water systems be free?

It is possible to have a solar hot water system installed on your home for what is effectively no cost. However, this will depend on your circumstances, and most home owners will have to pay something. The government rebates offered on solar hot water and energy systems at the moment mean that this is the ideal time to install one, to save a considerable amount of money over many years on your energy bills, and to contribute to helping the health of our environment.