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Sense of Solar

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Ask any Australian and they’ll tell you the sun shines brightly in our country. It simply makes sense to harness the Australian sun for long-term savings and comfort with renewable solar energy for your hot-water system.

Kerryn Ramsey

Content Writer
While the Federal government has a directed agenda around sweeping reforms and targets for household renewables, it’s consumers who are driving innovation and development in the space. They are demanding affordable long-term solutions that will improve their lives.

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Everything from solar panels to insulation to new battery technology can help, but the easiest way to achieve quick results is to add solar or heat pump hot water to your home.

Right across Australia, Rheem is renowned for its 'steady, hot and strong’ water systems. A lesser-known fact is that Rheem has been working on renewable energy hot-water technology for more than 40 years and is now a trusted leader in solar and heat pump solutions.
 

The Loline ground-mounted system offers an ideal installation solution where roof aesthetics are important or where roof space is limited, or the orientation of the roof to the sun is not quite right.

Solar savings

While the allure of a more environmentally friendly home is strong, often the most compelling argument for switching to renewable solutions are the long-term cost savings. While home energy costs continue to climb, the addition of a solar hot water system or a heat pump can immediately reduce household energy costs.

Switching to a solar hot water or heat pump solution can save homeowners an average of 65%* of energy used for water heating, when compared to an electric storage water heater. These systems can also help reduce carbon emissions by up to 2.9 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

To understand which renewable alternative is right for your household, it’s important to understand the difference between them.

Different systems

Solar water heaters work by absorbing energy from the sun’s rays in roof-mounted solar collectors and utilising this energy to heat water stored in a tank. 

Rheem has models to suit all climates and water conditions in Australia. Its solar range covers a range of systems designed for the environment and homes they are installed in. 

The Loline ground-mounted system offers an ideal installation solution where roof aesthetics are important or where roof space is limited, or the orientation of the roof to the sun is not quite right. 

On the other side of the equation, the Hiline complete roof-mounted are perfect for installations where space at ground level is limited, and roof space is available in the correct orientation.

For areas that are prone to frost or where water quality may be an issue the Rheem Premier solar models are ideal. Available in both Loline and Hiline solar hot water system configurations 

Heat pumps fall into the category of “renewable energy”. Heat Pumps use the heat in air surrounding the unit, transferring it to the water in the tank to bring it up to temperature. Think of it as a reverse cycle air-conditioner which heats water instead of air, and does it very efficiently. 

For more challenging situations, heat pumps are a great solution when available space, orientation or shade prevent an efficient solar system from being installed.  

Both solar hot-water systems and heat pumps offer  great cost savings as well as government inventives, making them a smart choice.

Roof-mounted systems such as the Rheem Premier Hiline® is an indirect solar water heater specifically designed for environments prone to frost.

Facts and figures

Rheem often hears similar questions from homeowners considering a switch to renewables. ‘Can a solar hot water system and heat pumps really save me money?’ ‘Are they environmentally friendly?’ 

The answer to both those questions is an unequivocal yes! 

Solar hot water and heat pumps on average are approximately 65% more efficient than electric water heaters. When you consider electricity used to heat water can account for around a quarter of the average monthly energy bill, savings can be significant.

If your household spends $100 each month on electricity to heat hot water for home use, a solar hot water system or a heat pump can save you up to $65 per month or around $7800 in 10 years. 

If you live in the tropics the savings will be even higher. These savings will depend on orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariffs.

The way forward

Over many years, Rheem has developed an unrivalled range of energy efficient offerings in Solar hot water and most recently, an all-new Heat Pump. Rheem Australia is a market leader in renewable hot water with more to come. In the words of John Collignon, Rheem’s Marketing Director ‘There can be no doubt, the future is energy efficient products.’

For further information go to: www.solar.rheem.com.au

* Energy savings of up to 65% are based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling using a medium load and apply when replacing a similar sizes electric water heater with a Rheem 551270 Heat Pump water heater or a 511325 solar hot water system in Zone 3
Brand promotion: This article was compiled with contributions from Rheem.