Solar Hot Water Systems for Western Australian Homes

Harnessing Perth’s Sunshine

Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. This makes solar hot water an excellent choice for local homeowners looking to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

A well-designed solar hot water system can provide 60-80% of your household’s hot water needs using free energy from the sun.

Types of Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar Thermal (Roof Collector Systems)

Traditional solar hot water uses roof-mounted collectors to directly heat water or a heat transfer fluid:

Flat Plate Collectors:

• Dark absorber plate under glass
• Reliable and durable
• Good for Perth’s climate
• Lower cost option

Evacuated Tube Collectors:

• Glass tubes with vacuum insulation
• Slightly more efficient in cooler conditions
• Higher initial cost
• Excellent longevity

Both types work by heating water (or glycol fluid) that circulates to a storage tank, typically located on the ground.

Solar-Boosted Heat Pumps

An alternative approach combines solar PV panels with a heat pump:

• PV panels generate electricity
• Electricity powers a highly efficient heat pump
• Can be more flexible for roof placement
• Works well when roof isn’t ideal for thermal collectors

We assess which type suits your property and needs better.

Perth’s Solar Advantage

Perth’s climate offers significant advantages for solar hot water:

This means Perth solar hot water systems perform better and more consistently than in most other Australian cities.

System Components

A complete solar hot water system includes:

Roof Collectors: Capture solar energy and heat water or heat transfer fluid

Storage Tank: Holds heated water (typically 270-400 litres for households)

Circulation System: Moves heated water/fluid between collectors and tank

Booster: Electric or gas backup for cloudy days and high-demand periods

Controller: Manages system operation and protects against overheating

Roof Requirements

Ideal conditions for solar thermal collectors:

• Orientation: North-facing is optimal
• Angle: 20-30 degrees from horizontal
• Shading: Minimal shading from trees or structures
• Space: Approximately 4-6 square metres for collectors
• Structural: Roof must support collector weight

If your roof isn’t ideal, we may recommend:

• Alternative collector placement
• Ground-mounted collectors
• Solar-boosted heat pump instead

Installation Process

Solar hot water installation typically takes 1-2 days:

1. Roof work: Mounting brackets and collector installation
2. Ground work: Storage tank placement and plumbing
3. Connections: Circulation piping between roof and tank
4. Booster setup: Gas or electric backup connection
5. Commissioning: System testing and customer handover

We ensure minimal disruption and leave your property clean.

Government Incentives

Solar hot water qualifies for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs):

• Typical rebate value: $600-$1,000
• Applied directly to your quote
• We handle all paperwork

Combined with long-term energy savings, solar hot water offers excellent return on investment.

Maintenance Requirements

Solar hot water systems require minimal maintenance:

• Annual: Check glycol levels (if applicable), inspect collectors
• 5-yearly: Replace sacrificial anode in tank
• 10-15 years: May need pump or controller replacement

We offer maintenance services to keep your system running optimally.

Is Solar Hot Water Right for You?

Solar hot water is excellent if:

• You have suitable roof space and orientation
• You want to reduce environmental impact
• You’re planning long-term home ownership
• Your hot water usage is consistent

Consider alternatives if:

• Roof is heavily shaded
• You’re renting or selling soon
• Hot water needs are very low

Our free assessment determines the best option for your situation.

Ready to Go Solar?

Contact us for a free assessment. We’ll evaluate your property and provide a complete recommendation with pricing including all rebates.