Solar Hot Water Systems Perth

Perth receives among the highest levels of solar radiation in Australia, making solar hot water an excellent choice for many households. With the right system design, you can significantly reduce energy costs while maintaining reliable hot water supply.

How Solar Hot Water Works

Solar hot water systems use roof-mounted collectors to capture heat from the sun and transfer it to your water storage tank. There are two main collector types:

Flat Plate Collectors

Traditional design using a dark absorber plate under glass. Well-suited to Perth’s climate and provides consistent performance. Generally more affordable and durable.

Evacuated Tube Collectors

Use glass tubes with a vacuum for insulation. Can be more efficient in cooler conditions but are typically more expensive. May be overkill for Perth’s climate.

Both collector types connect to a storage tank (either on the roof or at ground level) via a pump and controller system.

Is Your Roof Suitable?

Not every roof works well for solar hot water. We assess:

• Orientation: North-facing is ideal. East/west can work with reduced efficiency.
• Pitch: 20-30 degrees optimal for Perth’s latitude.
• Shading: Trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can significantly reduce output.
• Structural condition: Roof must support collector weight.
• Access: Installation and future maintenance access requirements.

We provide an honest assessment. If your roof isn’t suitable, we’ll recommend alternatives like heat pumps.

Boosting Systems

No solar system provides 100% of hot water needs year-round. Boosting ensures reliability:

Electric Boosting

Most common option. Element in the tank heats water when solar gain is insufficient. Can be set to off-peak rates for economy.

Gas Boosting

Instantaneous gas booster provides on-demand backup. More responsive but requires gas connection.

We help you choose based on your existing infrastructure and preferences.

Solar vs Heat Pump

Both are energy-efficient options. Consider:

Many Perth homes suit either option. We assess your specific situation and recommend accordingly.

Government Rebates

Solar hot water systems qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can reduce the upfront cost by $500-$1,500 depending on system efficiency. We handle all rebate processing.

Maintenance Requirements

Solar systems need periodic maintenance:

• Annual inspection of collectors and fittings
• Pump and controller checks
• Tank anode inspection (every 3-5 years)
• Frost valve testing (if fitted)

Regular maintenance ensures optimal efficiency and longevity.

Related Reading

Learn more about solar hot water systems:

• Solar Hot Water Roof Requirements - Is your Perth home suitable?
• How Solar Hot Water Works on Cloudy Days - Boosting systems explained
• Solar Hot Water vs Solar Panels with Heat Pump - Which is more efficient?