Solar Hot Water Installation & Repair

Solar Hot Water Service

Our team offers comprehensive installation and repair services for solar hot water systems. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from assessing your roof space and hot water requirements to expertly installing the solar panels and storage tank.

Solar Hot Water Installation

  • Complete System Installation: This includes installing solar collectors on your roof, a storage tank, connecting them to your existing hot water system, and filling the system with a heat transfer fluid.
  • Solar Integration with Existing Hot Water System: In some cases, a solar hot water system can be integrated with your existing electric or gas hot water system to create a hybrid system. This service would involve installing the solar collectors, storage tank, and the necessary controls to manage the interaction between the solar and traditional heating source.

Solar Hot Water System Repairs

  • Leaking Solar Collectors: A qualified plumber can identify the source of the leak in the solar collectors and repair it, or replace damaged components if necessary.
  • Faulty Circulation Pump: The circulation pump ensures the heat transfer fluid moves between the collectors and the storage tank. A plumber can diagnose and replace a malfunctioning pump.
  • Sensor Issues: The system relies on sensors to monitor temperature and system operation. A technician can diagnose and fix any problems with these sensors.
  • Storage Tank Problems: Similar to conventional hot water systems, the storage tank in a solar system can develop leaks or other issues. A plumber can assess the situation and recommend repairs or replacement.
  • System Performance Issues: If your solar hot water system isn’t producing hot water as efficiently as expected, a technician can troubleshoot the problem and identify potential causes like inadequate circulation, air bubbles in the system, or malfunctioning control components.

Solar Hot Water System Maintenance

Keeping your solar hot water system in top shape helps to ensure efficient operation and extends its lifespan. Regular maintenance involves simple tasks like checking the pressure relief valve and temperature gauge. You can also visually inspect the collectors and pipes for leaks or damage. For optimal performance, consider a professional service every 5 years. This may include replacing sacrificial anodes to prevent corrosion, topping up antifreeze solution (if applicable), and cleaning the collectors to remove dust and debris. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of solar hot water for years to come.

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Offering full residential and commercial services, we also boast a strong Emergency Plumbing Team to help protect your property from water damage, gas leaks and more.

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How do solar hot water systems work?

Solar hot water systems harness the sun’s energy to heat your water. Solar collectors, usually placed on your roof, absorb sunlight. These collectors transfer heat to a fluid, either water or a special antifreeze solution. In some systems, this heated fluid circulates directly to your hot water tank. In others, the hot fluid transfers its heat to a separate tank filled with water for domestic use. The heated water is stored in a well-insulated tank, ready to meet your hot water needs. Most systems also have a backup heater, such as electric or gas, to ensure hot water on cloudy days or during peak demand.

Solar hot water system installation

Our bulk buying power translates to competitive pricing on top-quality systems. We service a vast area, from South Caloundra to south of Logan, ensuring we can reach you wherever you are located. For added convenience, our mobile workshops bring the expertise directly to your doorstep. Most importantly, our team is fully licensed and insured plumbers, guaranteeing a safe and professional installation!

Solar hot water system repairs

Common repairs include addressing leaks, replacing faulty valves or pumps, and cleaning components to restore optimal performance. Our plumbers specialise in solar hot water systems, ensuring we have the expertise to get your sunshine back on track quickly and efficiently.

Commercial solar hot water systems

For businesses with high hot water demands, commercial solar hot water systems offer a powerful solution. These larger-scale systems utilise numerous solar collectors to capture the sun’s energy and heat vast quantities of water. This can significantly reduce energy costs associated with traditional water heating methods, leading to substantial savings. From hotels and laundromats to restaurants and car washes, commercial solar hot water systems are ideal for businesses that require a constant supply of hot water. The system also boasts environmental benefits by lowering your business’s carbon footprint. 

Residential solar hot water systems

Solar hot water offers numerous benefits:

  • Reduced energy bills: Significantly lower your hot water heating costs by utilising the free power of the sun.

  • Environmentally friendly: Minimise your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner planet.

  • Government incentives: Many regions offer rebates and incentives to encourage solar hot water adoption, making them even more attractive.

Invest in a residential solar hot water system and enjoy the benefits of clean, sustainable hot water!

Solar Hot Water FAQ’s

Yes, solar hot water systems can be a good investment in Brisbane, QLD for a few reasons:

  • Brisbane’s climate: Brisbane gets plenty of sunshine year-round, making it ideal for solar energy collection. This translates to good efficiency for your solar hot water system.

  • Hot water usage: Hot water heating can account for a significant portion of your energy bill, up to 25% in some cases. Solar hot water systems can drastically reduce this cost.

  • Financial incentives: The upfront cost of a solar hot water system can be higher than traditional systems, but there are government rebates and incentives available in Queensland that can help offset this cost. You can find more information about these on the Queensland Government website (https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/energy-water-home/solar).

Here are some things to consider to help you decide:

  • Your current hot water system: If your existing system is nearing the end of its lifespan and you need to replace it anyway, solar becomes a more attractive option.

  • Your hot water usage: If your household uses a lot of hot water, the savings from solar will be even greater.

  • Your roof space and orientation: Your roof should have good sun exposure for optimal performance.

Yes, solar hot water systems can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Here’s why:

  • Reduced energy use: Solar hot water systems use the sun’s heat to warm your water, significantly reducing your reliance on conventional electric or gas heaters. This can translate to savings of up to 65% on your water heating costs.

  • Lower running costs: While the initial cost of a solar hot water system is higher than traditional options, the ongoing running costs are much lower. You’re essentially using free solar energy to heat your water.

  • Potential for rebates and incentives: Many governments and local authorities offer rebates or incentives to encourage the adoption of solar hot water systems. This can further reduce the upfront cost and make them more financially attractive.

Brisbane’s winters are mild compared to colder climates, so yes, solar hot water systems do work there in winter. However, their efficiency will be reduced compared to summer. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Sunshine is still available: Brisbane receives sunlight year-round, even in winter. This means your solar hot water system will still collect solar energy to heat water.

  • Reduced efficiency: Winter days are shorter and have less intense sunlight. This translates to less heat collected by the solar panels, so the system might not fully meet your hot water needs on days with low sunshine.

  • Backup heating: Most solar hot water systems in Brisbane have a backup heating element, typically electric or gas. This kicks in during winter or on cloudy days to ensure you still have hot water.

Solar hot water systems can use some electricity, but not for the core function of heating water. Here’s a breakdown:

Types of Solar Hot Water Systems:

  • Passive systems (Less common): These are the simplest and don’t use any electricity. They rely on natural circulation to move heated water from the collectors to the storage tank. However, they are less efficient and not as widely used.

  • Active systems (More common): These use a pump to circulate water between the collectors and the storage tank. This pump requires a small amount of electricity to operate.

Electricity Usage:

  • Minimal: Even in active systems, the electricity used by the pump is minimal compared to the energy saved by using solar power to heat your water.

  • Backup heating: Many solar hot water systems have an electric or gas backup heating element. This element only uses electricity when needed, such as during extended cloudy periods or on days with high hot water demand.

Solar hot water systems primarily rely on solar energy to heat water. While some active systems use a small amount of electricity for circulation, the overall energy savings are significant compared to traditional electric or gas water heaters.

Solar hot water systems, while generally reliable, sometimes experience issues. Clogged pipes due to sediment buildup can hinder water flow and reduce efficiency. Leaks in the system, from pipes to the storage tank, can waste water and energy. Scaling and corrosion in components can also lead to performance problems. Less sunshine or dirty collectors can decrease hot water production.

Areas We Service

Our team are mobile and carry almost everything they need to get the job done on the first visit!