Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequently asked questions are answered on this page as a brief summary. For a more in-depth treatment of the issue, just follow the link in the questions.
For any other questions, please contact us and we will assist you directly.
What will I save on electricity?
Between $300 and $700 each year (Source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources)
More on what you can save on electricity.
How can I pocket up to $12,000 over the next 20 years?
This is the maximum amount possible using currently available information. However, even when we use minimum projections, you can still pocket savings.
More on pocket savings.
Am I eligible for a solar hot water rebate?
Most Australian individuals are eligible for at least one of the government rebates or financial incentives. Find out exactly how much the government pays you, by going through our simple process.
More on solar hot water rebates.
How long does a solar water heater last?
15-20 years, double the life of an electric system (source: Environmental Protection Agency)
More on solar hot water lifespan.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, all systems are covered with a warranty of at least 5 years. The workmanship of plumbers is warranted for 10 years. Please see your quote for exact details.
Which solar hot water brand do you use?
We use different manufacturers depending on your needs, so that you get the best quality for the best price.
More on solar hot water brand.
What are Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)?
Each solar hot water system receives a set amount of REC’s. You can sell them to electricity retailers who use them to comply with the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target. Prices vary weekly and are included in your quote. We manage the sale for you and reduce your price accordingly.
More on renewable energy certificates.
How can SolarPay offer no upfront payment?
We have researched financial offers that allow for repayments in line with the electricity savings you can expect. In your offer we show you exactly how much interest you would pay and how long the repayments take.
Going into debt over consumer goods is often a trap that puts an additional burden on your financial future. However, with a solar hot water system, you get a financial return for your investment (reduced utility bills).
It reduces what you have to pay in the future while not changing what you pay now. You just pay off the system with what you would have paid to the electricity companies anyway. Please note that this is true for the average person. You might well pay a little more in the beginning (or less). But over the life of the system, you are better off.
More on solar hot water heater with no upfront payment
My electrical hot water system is still working.
What should I do?
Change over to solar. You are losing money every day you run the electric hot water system.
Imagine running a car that uses 10l of petrol per 100km. Someone offers you the same car with a new motor technology that cuts the use of petrol to 3l per 100km. And you can get it without an upfront payment. In fact you only pay per month what you save on petrol. After 5 years the new car is paid off and you can put the future savings (another 15 years) into your pocket. Would you do that?
What happens if there is not enough sun?
Every solar hot water system is fitted with a booster (either electric or gas). They can be turned on when the sun’s heat does not produce enough hot water. Even though they work automatically on a thermostat, we recommend manual operation only when necessary. It leads to much better savings.
More on reliability of solar water heating.
What if I do not have a North facing roof?
A new generation of highly efficient collectors (black chrome) produce enough hot water even if you have an East or West facing roof.
If you only have a South facing roof, a heat pump might be a better solution for you.
Can I use solar hot water in a frost-prone area?
Yes, a closed-circuit solar hot water system protects the panels and tank when temperatures fall below zero degrees. In your quote you will be quoted the correct system for your needs.
What is the difference between an on-roof and split solar hot water system?
An on-roof system has the tank installed on the roof near the collectors. It is usually cheaper to purchase and install.
A split system has only the collectors on the roof. The solar hot water tank is located on the ground or in the house. An electric pump is necessary to pump the hot water from the collectors into the storage tank. However, this additional expense is offset by reduced heat loss. Some people prefer the split system for aesthetic reasons.
More on Differences of Solar Hot Water Heating Systems.
How do I select the right size system?
The hot water system stays with your house. That’s why we recommend the right size according to bedrooms rather than current inhabitants. Your quote shows the ideal system for your home size.
If you can afford a larger tank it is a worthwhile investment. It banks more hot water for days without sun, thus reducing the need to use the booster.
Why are the installation costs higher for a flat roof?
For maximum efficiency, solar collectors need to face the sun at an angle. That is why we add a bracket to flat roofs. The additional costs of the bracket is included in the installation costs.
Can my roof hold the weight?
This is only a consideration for on-roof systems where the full tank adds up to 500kg onto your roof. Most roofs can easily hold that additional weight. Your installer will make sure that your roof is suitable.
How long does it take to install a solar water heater?
Depending on the type of system it takes 3-4 hours. During part of that time, your water has to be turned off. The electricity might also need to be shut down for a few minutes.
How much CO2 is saved?
Depending on your hot water needs around 3,000kg per year.
For details, see the Solar Hot Water Facts.
What is the difference between a solar hot water system and PV systems?
A solar hot water system uses the heat of the sun to heat water directly. A PV (photo-voltaic) system uses the sun’s energy to produce electricity.
We had a solar hot water system ten/twenty years ago and we always ran out of hot water!
The good news is that solar hot water systems now are lighter, more efficient and have more technological solutions to draw on to ensure you get the best solar hot water system for your needs.
That’s why, when you are ordering your system, SolarPay asks you detailed questions about house height, aspect, roof material etc. Plus, installed systems now come with a booster (either gas or electricity) which allow you to use gas or electricity when you haven’t received any sun for a few days. With most modern systems, you will rarely need the booster.
Changing to solar hot water is only one step.
Will it really make a difference in the scheme of things?
Electric hot water is the average household’s largest contributor to greenhouse gases, and switching to solar hot water will cut yearly carbon dioxide production by 3 tonnes. That’s the equivalent of taking a small car off the road for a year (source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources).
80% of all Queensland households use electric hot water systems (source: ClimateSmart Queensland), even though the state has the most sun hours in Australia. Imagine the reduction in Australia’s carbon footprint if the ‘smart state’ led the way and everyone in the 80% of households who was eligible to do so switched to solar hot water?
Find Out Whether You Can Benefit From Solar Hot Water.
You can get an instant quote right now. There are 23 simple questions that lets our online calculator work out the best solution for your situation. That way you know exactly whether you can benefit from solar hot water.
Start with 1. Find System.
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2. Check Rebates |
3. Review Options |
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