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A solar water heater can be a good environmental and financial investment.
With careful control of boosting, it can significantly reduce fossil
fuel energy use and consequent pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
In Perth, the proportion of water heated free by the sun can be as
high as 90%, but is usually in the range of 65% - 85%.
Below is a running cost comparison between solar hot water heating
and other common forms of hot water heating. This comparison is applicable
for a family that consumes 200 litres of water per day (eg four people).
The figures are estimates only and will vary depending on hot water
use, your location, cold water inlet temperature, booster operation
and the orientation/tilt of the solar collectors.
| Type
of System |
Approximate
Annual Running Cost |
Electric
Storage
- 100 litre tank |
$630 |
Gas
Storage
- 135 litre tank
- 5 star system |
$350 |
Solar
(Electric Boosted)
- 300 litre tank
- 75% solar contribution |
$160 |
Solar
(Gas Boosted)
- 300 litre tank
- 75% solar contribution |
$90
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