Residential Solar
Rooftop solar for households, sized around how your family actually uses power, with battery storage as an option.
Solar Water Heating
Hot water heated by the sun.
A solar water heater uses collectors on the roof to heat water directly, storing it in an insulated tank. It is a separate technology from solar panels and can reduce the electricity used for water heating.
At a glance
- Main types
- Evacuated tube and flat plate collectors
- Storage
- Insulated tank, roof-mounted or separate
- Backup
- Electric element for cloudy periods (optional)
- Sizing based on
- Household size, hot water use, water quality
How it works
How solar water heating works
Water heating is often one of the larger electricity uses in a home, especially where electric geysers or instant showers are used. A solar water heater captures heat from sunlight and transfers it to water stored in an insulated tank, ready for use.
Most systems include a backup heating element for extended cloudy periods. Performance depends on the collector type, orientation, how much hot water is used and when.
- 01
Collectors absorb heat
Evacuated tubes or flat plate collectors absorb heat from sunlight.
- 02
Heat moves to the tank
In thermosiphon systems, heated water rises naturally into the tank. Pumped systems use a small circulation pump.
- 03
Water is stored hot
An insulated tank keeps water hot for use later in the day and overnight.
- 04
Backup tops up
An optional electric element can heat water when solar input is not enough.
Use cases
Common use cases
Family homes
Households with regular morning and evening showers and an electric geyser.
Guest houses and hostels
Premises with high, predictable hot water demand.
Institutions
Schools, clinics and staff quarters with shared bathing facilities.
Planning
Important planning considerations
Every recommendation follows a review of your energy use and a site assessment. These are the factors we look at.
Roof load and position
A full tank is heavy. The roof structure must be able to support it, and collectors should face the sun with minimal shading.
Water quality
Hard water can cause scale build-up. System type and maintenance should reflect local water quality.
Water pressure
Low-pressure and high-pressure systems suit different plumbing setups. Your existing pressure determines the right choice.
Maintenance
Periodic checks of valves, the anode (where fitted) and collectors help maintain performance.
FAQs
Solar Water Heating questions
Is a solar water heater the same as solar panels?
No. Solar water heaters heat water directly using thermal collectors. Solar panels generate electricity. They can be installed together but are separate systems.
Will I still have hot water on cloudy days?
Collectors still gather some heat on overcast days, but less. A backup element can make up the difference, using electricity when needed.
What maintenance is needed?
Typically a periodic inspection of valves and fittings, checking for leaks, cleaning collectors if dusty and, depending on water quality, descaling or replacing the anode.
Related
Related solutions
Commercial Solar
Solar for shops, offices, workshops and other businesses, matched to your operating hours and load profile.
Hybrid Solar Systems
Solar, batteries and grid power working together, so you can use solar first and keep chosen loads running in outages.
Interested in solar water heating?
Share a few details about your property and energy needs. We’ll follow up to discuss options. A request is not a final quote or a booking.