A product guide for evacuated tube solar hot water systems
Water heating can account for 18% of your energy bill. It's possible to reduce these costs by upgrading to a more efficient hot water system. Evacuated tube solar hot water systems are considered the most suitable solar hot water system for the ACT climate.
Why is it important
Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat household water, limiting our dependence on burning fossil fuels and saving you money. There are zero emissions from this process.
By installing an evacuated tube solar hot water system at home or in your business, community group or school, you’re helping the environment. Using solar hot water is another way to support 100% of the ACT’s electricity supply being sourced from renewable sources.
Selecting a solar hot water system
Evacuated tube solar hot water systems
Only evacuated tube solar hot water systems are supported by ACT Government programs. Flat plate and integral collector or batch systems are not supported by ACT Government programs.
Evacuated tube solar hot water systems are considered the most suitable solar hot water system for the ACT climate and are the only type of solar hot water system included in the Sustainable Household Scheme and Home Energy Support: Rebates for homeowners program.
Solar hot water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. Generally, a hot water storage tank positioned on the ground is connected via pipework to solar evacuated tubes on the roof. These tubes heat the water in the tank. When there isn’t enough sunshine to fully heat the water, you can install an electric booster to kick in as a back-up.
Evacuated tube solar hot water systems incorporate evacuated glass tube technology to harvest solar energy to heat hot water sustainably. This is a cheaper and greener alternative to gas-powered hot water. The evacuated tube type is considered the most suitable of the solar hot water systems for Canberra households. Their suitability and expected energy savings are similar to those of hot water heat pumps.
Evacuated tube hot water systems generate hot water efficiently and sustainably, primarily through harvesting solar energy.
Important for noting
- Solar hot water units are likely to require boosting during the winter months. There are two types of boosters on the market: electric and gas boosters. Only electric boosters are supported by ACT Government programs.
- The most ideal orientation for evacuated tube solar hot water systems is on a north-facing roof. Discuss your individual installation needs with your supplier.
- Discuss frost protection options with your supplier.
- Choose an evacuated tube solar hot water unit that is on the VEU Register: Search Water heater – Electric Boosted solar.
ACT Government financial support and advice
Sustainable Household Scheme
We offer low-interest loans through the Sustainable Household Scheme to remove the upfront cost of installing energy-efficient products, including evacuated tube solar hot water systems.
Home Energy Support Program
If you have an eligible concession card you may be able to apply for a rebate to install evacuated tube solar hot water through the Home Energy Support Program. The program has an option to pay for the rest of the solar hot water system with a zero-interest loan through the Sustainable Household Scheme.
Sustainable Business Program
We give free advice to businesses on energy and water consumption. Check out the Sustainable Business Program.
Need some free advice?
Contact the Sustainable Home Advice team for free energy advice on 1300 141 777 or email SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.