Water heating accounts for 30 percent of an average household's total greenhouse gas emissions and up to half of total household energy use. Installing a solar water heater can greatly reduce your energy bills as it will use energy from the sun to heat water at zero cost.

Hills Solar Evacuated Tube Hot Water System up to 40% more efficient than a comparably sized flat plate solar water heater!

Using solar energy to heat water produces no harmful greenhouse gas emissions. A solar water heater can provide between 50 percent and 90 percent of your total hot water requirements, depending on the climate and the model of heater.

Types of Solar Hot Water Heaters - There are 3 main types of solar hot water systems available in Australia including:

• Flat Plate Solar Hot Water Systems
• Heat Pump Systems
• Evacuated Tube Systems

Which system do I choose? Each system has its own benefits and advantages. The most efficient system is the Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System. Which system best suits your needs depends upon your particular circumstances including solar aspect of you home (roof space facing north), suitable roof space to locate a unit, ability of the roof to support a solar hot water system and ease of installation (can weigh 300kgs+ when full), your budget and aesthetic concerns.

Solar Hot Water Becoming Standard for all New Homes - Installation of a solar hot water heater is becoming mandatory in many parts of Australia and there are a range of rebates available to assist with the cost of getting a system installed. As from 1st July 2004, all new homes in Sydney will be required to install an energy efficient hot water system as part of the new BASIX Building Sustainability program. 

Which System is Cheapest Over Time? Whilst less environmental hot water systems like electric storage and instant gas storage are cheaper to buy upfront, they cost a lot more to operate over time. An Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System is the cheapest and most environmental system to run over time (lower total purchase cost + lowest ongoing operating costs due to its substantially higher operating efficiency).

What Makes Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water Systems So Efficient?

The secret to the much greater efficiency of the Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System is the use of curved surfaces to absorb the sun's energy. 

As illustrated in diagram on the right, because the system involves a series of tubes, they have a much greater surface area exposed to the sun morning, noon and afternoon. 

Flat plate solar systems are only at maximum efficiency in the middle of the day. 

Click here for more information on our range of Hills Solar evacuated tube solar water heaters or request a free quote.