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Buying tips for solar water heaters

1. Seek professional advice from reputable manufacturers
2. Find out whether or not you are eligible for a rebate
3. There are many styles and types of solar water heating system available and they are all considerably more efficient that conventional gas or electric hot water systems
4. Mount the collectors on the roof with a northerly aspect. If you don't have such a roof you may need to use a frame to adjust the orientation and tilt of the collectors.
5. The storage tank may be ground mounted with a circulating pump or roof mounted in a close coupled arrangement with the collectors
6. You will need to use a booster of some description in the depths of winter
7. Frost protection is essential if you live in a frost prone area.
8. The performance of the system depends on how well it is matched to the demand placed on it and what the pattern of use is, e.g. a 5 person household needs a larger system that a 2 person household. Use hot water predominantly in the morning and it will re-heat using the sun during the day.
9. Insist that a timer and switch is installed for your booster so that you can switch it off during summer or program it to disable the booster during the night when you are not receiving solar energy.

If you want further information please email ray.prowse@anu.edu.au