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What will I save on electricity?
How much you save on electricity depends on the amount of hot water you use and how efficient your solar hot water system produces hot water.
According to the Department of Environment and Water Resources, it is between $300 – $700 each year that you save on electricity. On a monthly basis that is $25 – $58.
To get a more accurate estimate for your personal situation, have a look at your electricity bill. There are usually two types of tariffs. Most of your electricity is charged on Tariff 11.
The other tariff is the off-peak or night tariff. Check on your bill for Tariff 31 or Tariff 33.
Usually you only have one of those on your electricity bill. Many electrical hot water systems are connected to it. (Please note: Other appliances that do not need continuous energy might also be on that tariff, e.g if you have a pool, the pool pump.)
The total for Tariff 31 or Tariff 33 gives you a good indication of how much you have spent for your hot water in the past.
Depending on where you live, your solar hot water system contributes most of your hot water needs for free. Here is what some of the state governments have researched:
- Queensland: 80%
- NSW: 65-80%
- Victoria: up to 75%
- South Australia: 60-70%
- Perth: 65-85%
And the rest? Every solar hot water system has a booster (either electric or gas) that is used to provide hot water when there are too many cloudy days.
Also consider the rising electricity prices (17% in the last two years). These make it even more useful to save on electricity.
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Tags: electricity savings