Choosing Solar Water Heater for Your Home in St. George

If you’re thinking about choosing a solar water heater for your home or business in St. George, you’re on the right track to cutting energy bills and doing your bit for the environment. With plenty of sunshine in our area, solar hot water systems make real sense. But picking the right one isn’t always straightforward. That’s where we come in.

Why Choose Solar Water Heating?

Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat your water, which means you save on electricity or gas costs. Over time, this can make a big difference to your household or business expenses. Plus, you reduce your carbon footprint, which feels great knowing you’re helping the planet. Solar water heating systems also tend to have low running costs once installed, and many come with government rebates or incentives that make them more affordable.

Types of Solar Water Heaters

There are two main types of systems to consider:

Passive Systems

These systems rely on natural circulation to move water through the collectors and storage tanks. They usually have fewer moving parts, making them simpler and cheaper to maintain. However, they require a roof setup that allows the tank to be placed above the collector, which isn’t always possible.

Active Systems

These use electric pumps to circulate water or a heat transfer fluid between the solar collectors and the storage tank. They work well even if your roof isn’t perfectly positioned or if the tank needs to be installed separately. Active systems offer more flexibility but can be a bit more expensive and require some maintenance on the pumps.

You’ll also find two collector types: flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat plate collectors are robust and work well in moderate climates, while evacuated tube collectors are more efficient in colder or cloudier conditions because they reduce heat loss.

What to Think About When Choosing Your Solar Water Heater

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Your household or business hot water needs

Think about how many people use hot water daily and what your peak usage times are. For example, a family of four will need a larger system than a single occupant. If you run a business with high hot water demand, like a café or salon, you’ll need a system sized accordingly.

Roof suitability

Check if your roof is strong enough to hold the solar collectors and tanks. Also, consider the roof’s angle and direction—north-facing roofs get the most sun in Australia. Avoid areas with shading from trees or neighbouring buildings, as shade reduces system efficiency.

System compatibility

Make sure the solar water heater can integrate with your existing plumbing and backup systems, whether electric or gas. Some systems come with built-in backup heaters to ensure hot water on cloudy days.

Local climate

St. George enjoys plenty of sunshine, making solar water heaters a smart choice. Still, your system should be suited to local weather patterns to maximise performance.

Energy efficiency

Look for systems with high solar fraction ratings, meaning they provide most of your hot water needs from solar energy. This reduces reliance on backup heating and lowers your bills.

How Big Should Your Solar Water Heater Be?

Sizing your system right is essential to avoid wasting money or running out of hot water. A good rule of thumb is about 20 square feet of collector area for two people, plus 8 to 14 square feet for each additional person. For example, a family of five might need around 52 to 66 square feet of collector area.

Your storage tank should hold about 1.5 to 2 gallons of water per square foot of collector area. So, if you have 50 square feet of collectors, a 75 to 100-gallon tank is ideal.

If you have extra hot water needs like a spa or commercial kitchen, you’ll want to size up accordingly.

Pro-Tip: Always get a professional to size your system properly. Oversized or undersized units waste money and energy and can cause frustration.

Installation Tips

The best place for your solar collectors is usually your roof, facing north with minimal shade. The angle should ideally match your latitude—around 32 degrees for St. George—to capture the most sunlight year-round.

If your roof isn’t suitable because of shading, structural issues, or space, ground mounting is an option. Just make sure it’s close enough to your plumbing to avoid heat loss.

Your roof must be strong enough to support the weight of the collectors and water tanks, especially if tanks are installed on the roof.

Pro-Tip: Don’t cut corners on installation. A licensed plumber and electrician should handle the job to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your warranty stays valid.

Maintenance and Lifespan

Solar water heaters typically last 10 to 20 years, sometimes longer with good care. Regular maintenance includes checking for leaks, cleaning dust and debris off collectors, and inspecting pumps and valves on active systems.

Water quality matters too. Hard water can cause scaling inside pipes and collectors, reducing efficiency. Installing a water softener or using a system designed for hard water can help.

Why Choose All Needs Plumbing in St. George?

We’ve been installing and repairing solar hot water systems for years, and we know what works best in St. George’s climate. Our team is fully licensed for plumbing and electrical work, so you get a smooth, hassle-free installation without juggling multiple tradespeople. We pride ourselves on prompt, friendly service and competitive prices.

I remember one commercial client who was struggling with high energy bills. After we installed a solar water heater tailored to their needs, they saw a noticeable drop in costs within months. That’s the kind of difference the right system can make.

FAQs About Choosing Solar Water Heater

How to choose a solar water heater?

Start by assessing your hot water needs and roof conditions. Decide between passive or active systems based on your budget and maintenance preferences. Always get expert advice to match a system to your lifestyle.

What size solar hot water system do I need?

Generally, 20 sq ft of collector area for two people plus 8-14 sq ft per extra person, with tank size about 1.5 to 2 gallons per sq ft of collector area. Professionals can help you nail the perfect size.

What is the lifespan of a solar water heater?

Most systems last 10-20 years. With regular maintenance and good water quality, some can go beyond 25 years.

What is the best place to keep a solar water heater?

Your roof, facing north with little shade and a suitable angle, is ideal. If that’s not possible, ground-mounted systems work too.

How do I know which hot water heater to buy?

Consider energy source availability, system type, capacity, and maintenance needs. Professional advice ensures you get the best fit for your home or business.

What if I want to know more about choosing solar water heater?

If you want to dive deeper into choosing the right solar water heater or need help with installation and repairs, we’re here for you. At All Needs Plumbing, we offer a $0 callout fee, 24/7 same-day service, and a 15% seniors’ discount. Plus, we’re currently offering $150 off on hot water systems.

Let’s make your switch to solar easy and affordable—contact us today and experience the difference of working with local experts who care.

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