Energy Watch Blog

Almost everybody uses Hot Water daily. So while it can get complex for an Energy Assessor like me to prioritize the economic benefits of Solar Power versus a more efficient heater, I can be confident that a right-sized Solar Hot Water or Heat Pump Hot Water System will deliver savings.

When compared to heating water with an Electric Element, Gas Storage or even Instant Gas, these sustainable options can reduce energy bills by 2/3 to ¾ over a calendar year. And for a family of four, pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years.

A Solar Hot Water System uses roof-mounted collectors that convert light into heat. This provide almost all of the energy needed to heat water in the sunnier 6 months of the year, a fair bit in late Autumn and early Spring … but will need significant boosting in the darker months of Winter with either an Electric Element, Gas or a Wood-Fire.

A Heat Pump uses a small amount of Electric Energy to extract about 3 times as much Heat Energy from the Air using the same technology found in a Refrigerator or Air-Conditioner. It uses a more constant amount of energy all year but runs longer and harder in Winter when less Heat is available. Despite earlier problems with low quality Heat Pumps that some readers might be aware of, there are now reliable and effective models on the Australian Market. And a properly installed and operating Heat Pump or Solar Hot Water Unit will not be damaged by frost.

Solar Hot Water tends to cost more upfront but have longer warranties. Heat Pumps have shorter warranties but cost less upfront, typically about 2/3 of the price of Solar Hot Water.

Solar Hot Water tends to be almost silent; a Heat Pump sounds like an Air-Conditioner - this troubles some people but not others. Solar Hot Water requires roof real-estate; a Heat Pump does not. So if your roof is shaded or covered with Solar Electricity Panels, a Heat Pump could be the choice for you.

To me, the future looks All-Electric with Solar Power and either Solar Hot Water or a Heat Pump on every home. A Heat Pump can be run either overnight Off-Peak or during the day using your Solar Power. But if you need more of your Solar Power for other purposes, you might chose Solar Hot Water requires as it almost no electric-boosting in Summer. As an Energy Assessor, it is my job to tailor a solution to each households energy use pattern, but with Hot Water I can be confident that they will be sustainable options that reward the householder with savings …