Solar Hot Water
The energy saved from solar water heating is equivalent to 7.2% of the clean energy generated in Australia.
The greenhouse gas emissions associated with the electricity required to produce hot water is the single largest source of household emissions, accounting for almost a quarter of household emissions.
Source: Clean Energy Council Solar Hot Water and Heat Pump Study, Mito Energy, 2011
The phrase ‘solar water heating’ refers to either a stand-alone solar hot water system or a heat pump, which heats water using energy from the ambient air. The installation of a solar water heating system can save the average household hundreds of dollars on their electricity bill each year compared to an electric hot water system. It will also save 2.4 to 3 tonnes of annual carbon emissions.
Federal Government rebates introduced early in 2009 led to a spike in sales in that year.
The rebate was reduced in February 2010, leading to a drop in the annual installation figures for the last two years.
Many consumers have installed solar power rather than solar hot water due to generous government incentives and aggressive marketing campaigns, despite the excellent value for money offered by solar water heating systems.
