Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for the different types of products discussed on this website are available below.
Solar Hot Water
How do solar hot water systems work?
Visit The Facts on Solar Hot Water.
Are there different types of solar collectors?
Yes. Visit The Facts on Solar Hot Water.
Do I need to have the tank on my roof?
No. The tank can be installed on the ground or in another convenient location, and a small electric pump moves the water to the solar collectors on the roof. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy can be used to run the pump.
What size solar collectors and storage tank should I choose?
The size of the system you require will vary according to your individual circumstances. Factors such as the number of people living in your home, the efficiency of appliances such as dishwashers and showerheads, etc will influence the size of the system required. By reducing your hot water use, you can reduce the size and cost of the system you install. Your supplier will be able to provide advice regarding the system to best suit you.
Can I install the collectors on a flat roof?
Yes. A frame can be used to raise the solar collectors to the necessary angle. Your supplier will be able to provide information about the correct angles and best options for your roof.
Will solar hot water meet all of my hot water demands?
This will depend on the size and model of the system you install and your water use practices. A solar hot water system could provide up to 90% of your total hot water requirements. To make up the shortfall, most solar hot water systems are installed with a gas or electric booster.
What savings can I make by installing a solar hot water system?
Electric and gas hot water systems can account for one quarter of your household's energy costs. Purchasing an energy efficient solar hot water system can save you money over the life of the system and can provide up to 90% of your total hot water requirements. By switching to solar hot water, an average family can save up to $920 per year on water heating bills.
Do I need a Development Application to install a solar hot water system?
Residents are not required to lodge a Development Application with their local council for solar hot water when the following conditions are met:
- the system is integrated into the building or is flush or parallel with the surface of the roof;
- the system does not reduce the structural integrity of, or involve structural alterations to, the building; and
- it is not located on a building that is a heritage item or is in a heritage conservation area.
If you wish to prune or remove a tree to install your system, contact your local council. You may be required to apply for a permit to prune or remove a tree.
Your preferred supplier can help you ensure that your new solar hot water system complies with development guidelines.
For further information regarding Development Applications, contact your local council.
Can I install a solar hot water system if I am renting?
You will need to obtain approval from your landlord, either directly or via your rental agency.
Can I install a solar hot water system in a unit?
If your property is part of a strata plan, you will have to obtain approval from the owners corporation/body corporate.
Can I install the collectors on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
What financial incentives and rebates am I entitled to?
See Financial Incentives and Rebates.
Solar Power Systems
How do solar power systems work?
Visit The Facts on Solar Power Systems.
What capacity system do I need?
The average Australian household uses 18 kilowatt hours of electricity per day. A standard 1.5 kilowatt solar power system will produce, on average 6.75 kilowatts of energy per day, or around one third of your electricity needs.
Ultimately, the capacity of the solar power system you purchase will depend on your budget, and the area of unshaded space on your roof.
What financial assistance am I entitled to?
Read more about Financial Incentives and Rebates.
Is solar electricity cost effective?
Over the lifetime of a solar power system (25 or more years) the amount of electricity generated by the system will be far cheaper than if that same amount of electricity were purchased from an energy retailer. As coal-fired electricity prices are expected to rise, installing solar power systems will become increasingly cost effective.
Is my property suitable for solar panels?
If you are considering installing a solar power system, you will need to have a suitable north-facing roof (on your house, shed or garage) or ground space that is not shaded during the day. The solar power system needs to be tilted so the panels are pointed directly at the sun in the middle of the day (in some instances extra framing can be added to the roof to achieve this). If any part of the solar power system is in shade, the electricity output will be significantly reduced.
Do I need a Development Application to install solar panels?
Residents are not required to lodge a Development Application with their local council for solar power systems when the following conditions are met:
- The system is integrated into the building or is flush or parallel with the surface of its roof;
- does not reduce the structural integrity of, or involve structural alterations to, the building; and
- is not located on a building that is a heritage item or is in a heritage conservation area.
If you wish to prune or remove a tree, contact your local council. You may be required to apply for a permit to prune or remove a tree.
Your preferred supplier can help you ensure that your new solar power system complies with development guidelines.
For further information regarding Development Applications, contact your local council.
Can I install a solar power system on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
What is the difference between solar hot water and solar power systems?
Solar power systems use energy from the sun to create electricity that is then used to power the lights and appliances in your home. Solar hot water systems do not generate electricity, but use energy from the sun to heat water.
Heat Pumps
How does a heat pump work?
See The Facts on Heat Pumps.
What size tank do I need?
The size of the tank will vary according to your circumstances. Factors such as the number of people living in your home, the efficiency of appliances such as dishwashers and shower heads, etc will influence the size of the tank required. Also consider how much hot water your household will need in the future, not just how much hot water you use now.
The storage tank of a heat pump can be smaller than those of solar hot water systems as heat pump systems are very efficient and can operate 24 hours a day without a booster.
By reducing your hot water use, you can reduce the size and cost of the system you install. Your supplier will be able to provide advice regarding the system to best suit you.
Does a heat pump system need to be exposed to direct sunlight?
Heat pump systems do not need direct exposure to the sun. Heat pumps use the heat in the air, which is available even when it is cloudy and raining.
Do I need to obtain council approval to install a heat pump system?
Most hot water systems can be installed without council consent. The preferred suppliers will help you ascertain whether a development approval from your local council will be required, or you can contact your local council.
Can I install a heat pump system if I am renting?
You will need to obtain approval from your landlord, either directly or via your rental agency.
Can I install a heat pump system in a unit?
Heat pumps may not be suitable for installation in a unit. These systems require substantial clearances for ventilation and also make a similar level of noise as ducted air conditioning or a pool filter. Check with your supplier.
Can I install a heat pump system on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
What rebates am I entitled to?
See Financial Incentives and Rebates.
Rainwater Tanks
What size tank do I need?
There are several factors that will influence the size of the tank you purchase. These include what the tank will be used for, what size tank you can physically fit on your property, your budget, and the amount of water your roof collects.
For gardening, a minimum tank size of 2,000L is appropriate. If the tank is connected internally to your house, then you may want to consider a larger tank. A general rule of thumb is to choose the largest size you can afford and fit onto the site.
How do I work out how much water my roof will collect?
All you need to know is the size of your roof. For 1 millimetre of rain falling on 1 square metre of roof you will get 1 Litre of water. For example, if you have a roof of 40 square metres and there is a downfall of 12 millimetres, then 480 Litres of water will be collected.
What am I able to use the stored rainwater for?
Rainwater can be used for flushing toilets, washing cars, filling swimming pools and spas, garden irrigation and washing clothes, amongst other things.
In line with NSW Department of Health regulations, we do not recommend the use of rainwater for drinking purposes where there is access to a reticulated water supply.
What rebates am I entitled to?
See Financial Incentives and Rebates.
Do I need a Development Application to install a rainwater tank?
Residents are not required to lodge a Development Application with their local council when the following conditions are met:
- The capacity of the tank, or the combined capacity of tanks on the site, does not exceed 10,000 litres;
- the tank is located behind the building line, or in the rear yard of a property containing a heritage item;
- the tank is not located in the ‘foreshore area’ or any other special zone that requires a Development Application for rainwater tank installation.
Your preferred supplier can help you ensure your new rainwater tank complies with development guidelines.
For further information regarding Development Applications, contact your local council.
Can I install a rainwater tank on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
How much water pressure do I get from the tank?
The water in the tank will be forced out by its own weight but this will not be sufficient to run a hose as you would from a mains tap. To get pressure, you will require a pump or a header tank with sufficient height. If you choose to have a pump, you will also require a power point.
Does my tank need to sit on a foundation?
It is ideal that all tanks sit on a base of level reinforced concrete. At a minimum we would recommend reinforced concrete pavers.
What shapes and materials do tanks come in?
Most tank shapes are either round or slimline. Round tanks are generally cheaper, however they take up more space. Sacs or bladder tanks which are flexible, inflatable tanks are also available and can be installed under decking.
Tanks are made from a range of materials, including corrugated Aquaplate® steel, polyethylene, concrete and fibreglass. Sacs are made of POWERC/geotextile. Your tank supplier will be able to discuss your options with you.
For more information, see The Facts on Rainwater Tanks.