THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR HOT WATER

Producing hot water for the home has the largest impact on your energy bill in most Australian homes. Using solar energy to heat your water can substantially reduce energy bills, even in colder climates, and will reduce the emission of Greenhouse Gases.

In most States replacing an electric water heater with a gas boosted solar water heater can reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by approximately 3.7 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking a small car off the road.

WHEN DOES THE SOLAR WORK?

The Rinnai solar panels begin the process of gradually heating the water in the mornings as soon as the radiant heat from the sun is absorbed by the collectors on your roof. This continues throughout the day until late afternoon.

WHAT HAPPENS ON COLD, CLOUDY OR RAINY DAYS?

On cloudy and rainy days the solar gain is less, but the collectors still absorb heat. On these days the solar system will usually require the assistance of a booster to maintain the water at a suitable temperature.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Booster selection and even the type of hot water system has an impact on the environment. The table opposite shows the approximate tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions for various systems.

If your system selection is based on environmental impact, your number one choice should always be a gas boosted solar system. A Rinnai INFINITY continuous flow (non-solar) hot water system is a second choice, as it generates around half the greenhouse emissions of an electric boosted solar system.