Solar hot water

The majority of your energy costs during the summer months are used on hot water, so it makes sense to reduce this by using a natural resource — the Sun — to heat your water.

In summer a solar hot water system should supply most of your hot water needs. However, in cold or overcast weather you will need to use another energy source, such as electricity or natural gas, to act as a booster to ensure a plentiful supply of hot water.

Consider using a gas-boosted solar system to reduce greenhouse emissions by around 75 per cent when compared to an electric hot water system.

An electric-boosted solar system maybe connected to an off-peak electricity plan if the tank size is more than 250 litres.

Check with your local council as a government rebate may be available for the purchase and installation of a solar hot water system.