Solar water heating
Many homes in New Zealand are well-placed to harness the sun's free, renewable energy with solar water heating.
Solar water heating uses the sun's rays to heat water, which is then stored in an insulated hot water tank. On a less sunny day, the system may need back-up heating, usually provided by electricity or gas.
What's good about solar water heating systems
- Well-designed and installed systems will meet 50-75% [1] of your hot water needs using the sun's free energy. Use this solar calculator to work out how long it will take for your solar water heater to pay itself off in savings.
- They produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than straight electric water heating.
- They work all year round with an electric, gas or other boosters for times when the sun can't heat enough water to heat your needs, so you'll always have hot water.
- The ENERGY STAR® mark lets you know which systems save the most energy
- ENERGYWISETM funding of $500 or $1000 is available in some cases to install a solar water heating system.
What to be aware of
- The upfront cost is relatively expensive.
- Not all properties are suitable for solar water heating - check with your supplier to find out.
- If you intend to use an electric back-up, check with your electricity retailer to see if a cheaper night-rate electricity tariff is available. If so, get your cylinder sized so you can use it.
Case studies
Tasman couple Vivien Edge and Ken Ross enjoy hot water heated almost entirely from the sun for eight months of the year, after installing a solar hot water system in their Upper Moutere rural property. Read more about their solar project.
Tracey and Robbie Torrance of Richmond upgraded to a solar water heating system to reduce their power bills and increase the availability of hot water. Read more about their solar project. Read more about their solar project.
When you live in a sunny region it makes sense to make the most of the sun's energy. The Nelson City Council is helping households to invest in solar water heating. Read about their solar project.
More information
Choose the right solar water heating system
Solar water heating system components
Installation and maintenance
Solar calculator
Apply for a solar water heating grant
Notes:
[1] When compared to the 180 litre reference Electric Water Heater defined in AS/NZS4234:2008 - Heated water systems - Calculation of energy consumption. How much money you save from solar water heating will depend on a number of factors. These include how much hot water you use, how well the system is designed to meet your needs, and the quality of the installation.
