The number of solar hot water installations in Tasmania is going through the roof. With government rebates this is no longer an expensive option.

• How viable is solar hot water in Tasmania?

The short answer is ‘very’. Tasmania enjoys the same latitude (42 degrees) as does northern Spain. Germany, much colder than us, has a thriving solar industry. We are well within the band of viable solar ‘insolation’. Newer technology has now made solar hot water even more viable in cooler climates like ours.

• How long does it take to pay off a solar hot water system with the money saved?

It’s a funny thing, but when you buy a computer, or a fridge or a car you don’t expect, them to pay for themselves, but you buy them anyway. We normally buy things simply because they fill a need or a want. Similarly, people wanting to live with a smaller footprint invest in solar simply because they believe they should.

That said, the payback period for a solar hot water system depends on a number of factors, such as your hot water usage habits and the number of people in your home. If you live fairly frugally and you are eligible for the various renewable grants and rebates, then expect your system to cover its up-front costs in about 5 years, after which time it will be earning you money.

• How much money would I save?

Depending on the above factors, up to 70 % of your hot water bills, or a third of your normal household power bills.

• How much does a typical solar hot water system cost?

For most households, a ballpark figure of $4,500 installed, less $3,000 in renewable rebates.

• Can I get a government loan to pay for solar hot water?

Yes, if you want to go solar and don’t have enough immediate finance, then most Australians are eligible for a no-interest federal government ‘Green Loan’ for sustainable investments.

• What rebates are available?

This varies depending on where you live, so ask your retailer. If the solar product is certified to comply with Australian standards it will attract national renewable energy certificate (REC) rebates.

The Tasmanian government does not offer rebates for solar purchasers. However, Hobart City Council does provide a $500 rates rebate for Hobart ratepayers.

• Why would I choose the glass tube ones over the flat one?

Both the traditional ‘flat plate’ and the newer ‘evacuated tube’ technology work satisfactorily.

However, the invention of the evacuated tubes system has revolutionalised solar hot water in cooler climates such as Tasmania’s, making this the most popular choice. They generally perform at a higher level of efficiency, owing to lower heat losses.

Flat plate hot water systems, on the other hand, are preferred by many others because they have no circulation pump, the hot water cylinder being on your roof in most cases.

• What brands are recommended?

There are now multiple competitors in the market place. Check the yellow pages.

Market leaders in Tasmania are Solahart and Edwards (flate plate systems) and Apricus and Hills Solar (evacuated tube systems).

• Who can install them?

Take care when ordering a solar system that you engage a reliable and experienced plumber.

Tasmania offers no green plumbing trade certificates and lack of experience can cause cost overruns and faulty installation. It is important to check this out while ordering your system.