Solar hot water and heat pump FAQs

On 19 February 2010 the Government announced that a new household Renewable energy bonus scheme will assist households to save money on power bills and reduce their carbon emissions.

This new Scheme will replace the Home insulation program and the Solar hot water rebate program both of which are discontinued as of close of business 19 February 2010.

From 20 February 2010, the rebate on solar hot water systems is reduced from $1,600 to $1,000 and the rebate on heat pump systems is reduced from $1,000 to $600.

Transitional arrangements have been put in place for people who paid for or ordered their hot water systems prior to 20 February 2010.

Eligible solar or heat pump hot water systems purchased or installed prior 20 February 2010 may be eligible for a $1,600 rebate for solar hot water or $1,000 for heat pumps, if proof of purchase or installation prior 20 February 2010 is included with the application.

Applicants who ordered or made partial payment for their solar or heat pump hot water systems but had not had their system installed prior to 20 February 2010, must include written evidence of their order with their rebate application. A receipt for a deposit or a copy of their supplier’s order form is required. A quote is not sufficient evidence of an order.

In all cases final decisions regarding rebate eligibility will be made by the Government.

The Australian government’s renewable energy bonus scheme . encourages Australians to switch to alternative hot water technologies by assisting with the cost of greenhouse friendly systems.

A rebate of $1,000 is available for installation of a solar hot water system and $600 for installation of a heat pump hot water systems to replace electric hot water systems (only) in existing homes.

Because electric storage hot water systems generate the most greenhouse gas emissions, the government’s rebate program aims to replace existing electric storage hot water systems by offering this $1,000 rebate.

The Australian government rebate is not applicable for replacing older solar hot water or gas systems. In order to be eligible for the rebate, the solar hot water installer must verify that:

• The system is a new and complete hot water system that replaces an existing electric storage hot water system previously operational at the dwelling
• The system is eligible for at least 20 RECs at the time and place of installation
• The system has a warranty of at least 5 years.

We can only provide information on the rebate that the Australian government has provided to us.

Applications for the renewable energy bonus scheme can be supplied for all solar hot water and heat pump purchases replacing electric hot water systems from 20 February 2010 onwards.

Under current government rules, applicants must apply for the rebate within six months of installing an eligible system, and have the application signed by the licensed installer prior to submitting the application.

Yes, you can apply for the rebate if you are renting. Rebate eligibility requirements state that the solar hot water system must be installed at a principal place of residence. An applicant can be the owner or the tenant of the dwelling.

A tenant should not install a system without approval from the owner of the dwelling. The sharing of costs other than the rebate between the landlord and the tenant is a matter for you to negotiate. Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met in order to receive the rebate.

No, rebates are currently not available for new homes. For optimum environmental benefit, the Australian Government Rebate has been designed to specifically help households replace the worst greenhouse performing products with technologies that are greenhouse friendly.

Yes, you can still apply for other rebates that apply in your state or territory, even if you have applied for the Australian Government rebate. Your Australian Government rebate application will not be affected by rebates offered by other governments. This means that in some states, you’ll be eligible for both the Australian Government rebate and the State Government rebate, as long as you meet each rebate’s eligibility requirements.

In Victoria customers eligible for a Sustainability Victoria rebate cannot claim the full amount of both the Sustainability Victoria and the Federal Government post installation rebate. Customers can either claim the full amount of the Sustainability Victoria rebate or claim the Federal Government post installation rebate and the Sustainability Victoria rebate minus the amount of the Federal Government rebate.

Yes, the Australian Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate is applicable only if the installation address is a principal place of residence, including a principal place of residence for a tenant.

The sharing of costs other than the rebate between the landlord and the tenant is a matter for you to negotiate. Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

No, rebates are not available for holiday homes. For optimum environmental benefit, the rebate program has been designed to replace electric storage hot water systems in a principal place of residence.

No, the solar hot water rebate is not longer means tested.

As the Australian Government rebate is only claimable after installation, it will need to be completed by the owner/purchaser of the solar hot water system.

For successful applicants, payment will be credited directly to a nominated Australian bank account within 6 to 8 weeks of receiving a completed application form.

Our price for solar hot water includes any relevant state based rebates, which can be claimed prior to installation, other post installation rebates may also be available.

New South Wales: An additional rebate for replacement of existing electric hot water systems is available. This rebate, along with the Australian Government $1000 rebate can only be claimed upon completion of an installation. The NSW rebate, available for electric boosted solar hot water system replacing an electric hot water system for eligible customers, is $300 (based on a system eligible for over 28 RECs). The NSW rebate, available for gas boosted solar hot water system replacing an electric hot water system for eligible customers, is $1000 (based on a system eligible for over 36 RECs). To find out more about the NSW rebate, refer to the NSW hot water system rebates  website.

Victoria: customers are eligible for a point of sale rebate of $300 to $1600 which has been included in the prices provide by Origin. For more information on these rebates please visit the Save energy  website.

South Australia: customers may be eligible for an additional $500 rebate. Please see the South Australian Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme providing a rebate of $500 on the cost of a new solar or electric heat pump water heater system installed on or after 1st July 2008. The SA Rebate Scheme is targeted at low income households with the aim to increase the uptake of high-efficiency gas, solar and electric heat pump water heaters. For more information please see www.dtei.sa.gov.au/solar_hot_water .

Western Australia: customers are eligible for a point of sale rebates of $500 to $700 which has been included in the prices provide by Origin. For more information on these rebates please see www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au .

For the purposes of the Solar Hot Water Rebate Program a warranty means a replacement guarantee from the manufacturer covering at least the hot water storage vessel component of the system. The warranty must be for at least 5 years from the date of installation.

This is a program requirement only and should not limit the customer from seeking other system components to be included in the warranty. The tank warranty for systems purchased through us is 5 years.

Heat pumps can attract 2 different kinds of incentives - rebates and Renewable Energy Certficates (RECs) of up to $1000 are available for heat pumps installed in existing homes until March 2012. The system must eligible for at least 20 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at the time and place of installation and be installed by a qualified installer. Other eligibility criteria:

• The dwelling must be a principal place of residence.
• The rebate must be applied for within 6 months of the heat pump being installed.
• People renting are also eligible for the rebate, however the landlord's approval should be obtained.
• Investment properties are also eligible, but must be the principle residence of the owner or of the renter.
• Heat pumps installed on new houses are not eligible for the rebate, however, substantial Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) based discounts still apply

With solar hot water you’ll not only save money, but you’ll help our environment too. According to the Australian Government, water heating is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from the average Australian home, accounting for around 28% of home energy use, excluding the family car†

It can also reduce your energy bills by using the sun’s energy to heat your water.

In fact, solar hot water systems are so good for our environment that Renewable Energy Certificates and government rebates exist to make it easier and more affordable for you to install solar hot water.

† Refer to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website . This statement is general. Actual savings may vary depending on location, type of supply and consumption.

According to the Australian Government, a solar hot water system can save between $300 and $700 every year off electricity bills†. With savings like these, your solar hot water system could pay for itself more quickly than you think.

† Refer to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website . This statement is general. Actual savings may vary depending on location, type of supply and consumption.

Our solar hot water systems come fully installed. If your home falls outside our standard installation guidelines, you will be advised of any additional costs prior to installation.

Solar hot water systems work by using heat from the sun to warm your water.

Typically, heat is absorbed by your solar collectors, which are mounted on the side of your roof that has the most exposure to the sun (generally the north facing area of your roof). The heat directly warms the water in the collector and flows back to the storage tank pre heated.

Our solar water systems are split systems. This means your solar collectors are located on the roof of your home, while your tank is mounted on the ground.

Origin's Solar Systems are supplied with hi-efficiency solar panels which are specifically designed to minimise heat loss and maximise efficiency.

Benefits:

• High performance anodized selective surface – long lasting and high performance.
• High efficiency collectors for improved solar contribution.
• Aluminium fin with copper tube design for maximum thermal conductivity and efficiency in collecting solar energy.
• Aluminium casing - corrosion resistant and ideal for coastal areas.

Solar collectors can be installed onto a roof pitch of up to 30 degrees, with optimum orientation towards the north. Additional charges may apply for roof pitches of greater than 30 degrees. We are unable to install on homes with a roof pitch of greater than 45 degrees.

Shading of solar collectors will reduce the available contribution by the sun for water heating and therefore reduce the efficiency of your solar water heater system.

All our solar hot water systems are fitted with a gas or electric booster as a ‘back up’ to ensure your water is always heated to the correct temperature - even when the sun isn’t shining.

Our solar hot water systems are fitted with solar collectors designed for maximum heat absorption, so you’ll have hot water on tap, all year round.

The size of your hot water storage tank depends on the type of system you order – either gas or electric. We supply the following sized hot water storage tank for each system:

• Gas continuous flow boosted solar hot water split system: 250 litre tank
• Gas storage boosted solar hot water split system: 170 litre tank
• Electric boosted solar hot water split system: 315 litre tank
• Electric boosted solar hot water split system: 400 litre tank
• Heat Pump hot water system: 250 litre tank

The Australian Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Program encourages consumers to switch to alternative hot water technologies by helping with upfront costs. Because electric storage hot water systems generate the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions, the rebate eligibility criteria includes that a solar hot water system must replace an existing electric hot water system.

The solar hot water system must also be a solar or heat pump hot water system that is eligible for at least twenty Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at the time.

Our electric boosted solar hot water split systems meet the above criteria and qualify for the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Program. This means that if you are eligible to receive the Australian Government rebate, you will receive the maximum rebates you're entitled to under the scheme. So even if your current system is only a few years old it still pays to replace it with solar - you'll not only save money on your energy bills, but you’ll help our environment, too.

Yes, should your existing electric or gas hot water system be located inside your home (in a cupboard or be in a ceiling gravity feed) we are able to offer you a solar hot water product.

An Origin split system solar water heater allows you to enjoy all the benefits of our advanced solar technology, without a tank mounted to your roof. With an Origin solar hot water system, your solar collectors are located on your roof, while your tank is installed out of sight at ground level.

Roof mounted solar hot water systems can be quite heavy and require the roof of your home to be structurally sound to support this extra weight. Given the weight of the tank, in some circumstances a crane may be required to lift the tank onto the roof, which can add to your installation costs.

With Origin solar hot water, there’s no need to provide extra support to your roof.

If your roof is flat, we’ll provide frames to raise your solar collectors. This is included in our price for a flat roof installation.

The installation of your solar hot water system takes less than one day. It will take approximately two to four weeks to process your order, from order placement to installation (excludes post-installation rebates where applicable).

After you order either online or over the phone, we’ll arrange a time and day for installation that’s convenient for you.

Yes, should you have an electric hot water system, we can offer you a gas boosted solar hot water system.

The best way to obtain maximum performance from your solar hot water system is to make efficient use of hot water in your home. Where possible, do jobs that require hot water early in the day. This allows the remaining water in your tank to be reheated by the sun and reduces the supplementary gas or electric boosted heating period that’s required.

Yes. There will be no change to your water pressure or supply after you install your Origin solar hot water system.

Solar hot water collectors use heat from the sun and/or air to directly heat water.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity panels use sunlight to generate direct current which can then be converted to alternating current and used within the home or to feed power back to the electricity grid.

Solar hot water collectors can’t be connected to the electricity grid and solar PV panels can’t be used to heat water - they are different forms of technology and are not linked.

Yes - all our solar hot water systems have frost protection.

The life expectancy can vary considerably however Origin solar hot water systems are covered by a 5 yr warranty.

Our hot water tanks are lined with vitreous enamel, specifically designed to reduce corrosion and suitable for all water conditions.

Your warranty covers specific components of your Origin solar hot water system for periods of time:

• Dux warranty 

Simply get a quote or order online today.

Alternatively phone 1300 791 468 and our team of solar specialists will help you find the best system that suits your needs.

We make it easy to pay for your solar hot water or heat pump system – simply use your Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Diner's for a quick transaction.

You can also pay by instalments. Simply choose the solar hot water system that's right for you and make an upfront payment of 50%. Then pay the remainder off in instalments over the next 12 months using your credit card, with no interest payable (Origin does not charge interest on this payment plan. As monthly payments are via credit card you may incur interest from your credit card provider).

After you order and pay either online or by calling 1300 791 468, we'll arrange a time and day for installation that’s convenient for you. Soon, your solar hot water system will be ready to enjoy with no change to your water supply!

Our Additional solar information page contains more information on the technical specifications of your solar hot water system.

Heat pumps work like a solar hot water system but without solar collectors mounted on your roof. Heat pumps transfer the heat in the air outside of the unit to the water stored inside the heater through a heat exchange system. In the case of heat pumps, "heat" is a relative term as they will still work in cold conditions - at least -5 degrees Celsius, so it will still be generating hot water for you during winter nights

Currently Origin offers electric heat pump systems for replacement of electric storage systems only.

No. A Dux Airoheat is designed to be installed outside so that it can draw in the surrounding air and capture the heat energy for water heating.

The more modern heat pumps can operate very efficiently in most climatic conditions through out Australia.

• If you do not have a north facing roof – optimum efficiency from a solar water heater is obtained by orienting the panels towards north. This maximises the amount of water heated by the sun in solar collectors. A heat pump does not have collectors on the roof to heat water efficiently, but rather draws heat energy from the surrounding air.
• If your roof (and therefore potential solar collectors) are shaded between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm – this is the best time of day for solar contribution towards your water heating. Shading reduces the efficiency of a solar water heater. A heat pump does not require direct sunlight to efficiently heat water but rather draws heat energy from the surrounding air.
• A heat pump is simple to install. A heat pump can simply be located in the same spot as your old electric system (provided it is outdoors) with very little change to your plumbing. This helps keep down the cost of installation.
• A heat pump can heat during the day or during the night - a heat pump does not require direct sunlight to heat water but rather draws heat energy from the surrounding air. It is most efficient during the warmest part of the day.
• A heat pump does not require solar collectors on your roof. If roof space is at a premium in your home or you do not have suitable north, north east or north west facing roof space for solar collectors a heat pump is a great alternative to solar hot water.
• Heat pumps have a relatively fast recovery or re-heat time. If you ever use all the hot water in the tank, the water can be heated to a useable temperature in less than 3 hours.
• If you are contemplating installing a photo-voltaic (PV) system on your roof to generate electricity. A heat pump can reduce your electricity consumption and therefore the electricity draw on your PV system meaning you can send more electricity back to the grid. It also does not compete for roof space with the PV collectors as a heat pump does not require collectors but rather draws heat energy from the surrounding air.

The Government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) supports the reduction of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the proportion of Australia's electricity that is derived from renewable energy sources. This is achieved through an innovative market-based certificate trading scheme.

The commodity in this market is the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) - each REC represents the equivalent of one megawatt hour of electricity generation from an accredited renewable energy source. For solar hot water systems, each REC represents the displacement of one megawatt hour of electricity generation by solar energy.

Owners of water heaters that use renewable energy may be able to create and sell RECs to help offset the cost of installing renewable energy technologies in the home.

Both our gas and electric boosted hot water systems are eligible for RECs. We make it easy for you - all our prices are inclusive of the REC rebate. This represents the value of the RECs we estimate will be created by your system after installation which you sell to us at the time of purchasing your Origin solar hot water system.