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Solar hot water systemsFrequently asked questions about solar water heating |
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Solar and the environment
How much money can I save?
How does it work?
Solar and the environmentWhy is solar hot water good for our environment?With solar hot water you’ll not only save money, but you’ll help the environment too. According to the Department of Environment and Water Resources, water heating in your home is the second largest source of household greenhouse emissions after transport.^Going solar can reduce household greenhouse gas emissions by around 2 to 4 tonnes of CO2† a year, the equivalent of taking an average small car off the road.* It also reduces your energy bills by using the sun’s energy to heat your water. In fact solar water heaters are so good for the environment that Renewable Energy Certificates and State Government rebates exist to make it easier and more affordable for you to install solar hot water. * Based on the National Average of 13,900 kms travelled per year using a car (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, 12 months ended 31st October 2006) with a petrol engine and does not represent an individual’s actual car emissions. A small car is defined as having an engine size of less than 1.8 litres, a medium car is defined as having an engine size of between 1.8 litres and 3.0 litres and a large car is defined as having a n engine size of above 3.0 litres. †Refer to, Go Solar and Save, published by the Department of Environment and Water Resources, 2007. The statement is general. Actual savings may vary depending on location, type of supply and consumption. 
How much money can I save?How much money could I save per year?Water heating is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the home^. It also contributes substantially to your energy costs.In fact, according to the Australian Government, a solar hot water system can save between $300 and $700 every year off electricity bills, as well as reducing average household greenhouse gas emissions by around 2-4 tonnes of CO2.† ^Refer to Global Warming, Cool it! Published by the Department of Environment and Water Resources, 2007 †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. Are there any other additional costs?Our solar hot water systems come fully installed so there are no hidden costs.If your home falls outside our standard installation guidelines, such as upgrading your current power supply or if additional material is required, you will be advised of any additional costs prior to installation. How does it work?How do solar hot water systems work?Solar hot water systems work by trapping heat from the sun to warm your water.Typically, heat is captured in your solar collector, which is 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 either directly warms the water in the collector, or heats a fluid which transfers heat to the water stored in your tank. Our solar water heater is a split system. This means your collector is located on the roof of your home, while your tank is mounted on the ground, below the collector. How do solar hot water collectors work?Our solar collectors were initially designed to perform in the European market where there is considerably less solar radiation than in Australia, which means they’re built for maximum efficiency.Our collectors are a fin and tube design and are manufactured from copper (as opposed to aluminium). Copper is an extremely effective medium for heat collection and transference. The fin and tube are ultrasonically welded together giving maximum contact for the efficient transfer of heat energy. Will I run out of hot water?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 a single black chrome solar collector designed for maximum heat absorption, so you’ll have hot water on tap, all year round. What size tank do I get if I order an Origin solar hot water system?The size of your water tank depends on the type of system you order – either gas or electric. We supply the following sized tanks for each system:
Why does my hot water storage tank need to be replaced if it is still in good condition?The Federal Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Program encourages consumers to switch to alternative hot water technologies by helping with up-front 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. Both our gas boosted split system and electric boosted split system meet the above criteria and qualify for the Federal Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Program. This means that if you are eligible to receive the Federal 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. What is the lifespan of my solar hot water system?The life expectancy of storage tanks can generally be reflected by the length of the warranty period offered.Our hot water tanks are lined with double layered vitreous enamel, specifically designed to reduce corrosion. With us, you can rest assured that your solar hot water system is backed by a 10 year warranty. Your warranty covers specific components of the solar hot water system for periods of time, simply click here for further information about what you’re covered for. My current hot water system is not located outside/on the ground. Can I still get a solar hot water service?At Origin, our solar hot water systems are currently designed to replace hot water systems that are located outside and mounted on the ground. Unfortunately, at this time, we don’t offer a product to replace tanks that do not fit within these specifications.Can I have a tank on my roof?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 collector is 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, and your system comes fully installed at no extra cost. What happens if my roof is flat?,If your roof is flat, we offer a solution for you. We’ll provide frames to raise your solar collector, all included in the price of a flat roof installation.How long will it take to have my solar hot water system installed?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. How do I make sure I get the best performance from my new 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.Will the water pressure be the same as a storage/instantaneous system?Yes. There will be no change to your water pressure or supply after you install your Origin solar hot water system.What is the difference between a solar hot water collector and a solar electricity panel?Solar hot water collectors use heat from the sun and/or air to directly or indirectly 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. Does my Origin solar hot water system have frost protection?Yes - all our solar hot water systems have in-built frost protection. In areas where temperatures drop below -10º C, we install a closed loop solar hot water system, designed specifically to withstand harsh frost areas.
How do I purchase a solar hot water system?How do I purchase an Origin solar hot water system?Simply click here to get a quote or order online today.Alternatively phone 1300 791 468 and one of our solar specialists will help you find the solar hot water system that suits your needs. How can I pay for my solar hot water system?We make it easy to pay for your solar hot water system – simply use your Visa or MasterCard for a quick transaction.After you order and pay either online or over the phone, 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! Where can I find out more about the technical specifications of my solar hot water system?Simply click here for more information on the technical specifications of your solar hot water system.About solar hot water rebatesWhat is the Federal Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Program?The Federal Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Program encourages Australians to switch to alternative hot water technologies by assisting with the cost of greenhouse friendly systems.Rebates of $1,000 are available for installation of solar and 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. Rebates are not applicable for replacing older solar hot water or gas systems. In order to be eligible for the rebate, a Solar Hot Water Rebate Program Registered Agent must verify that:
What is a Registered Agent?A Registered Agent is an organisation or individual authorised by the Federal Government to provide information that verifies system technical details for rebate applications. Origin is proud to be a Registered Agent.Major suppliers of solar and heat pump hot water systems are likely to be Registered Agents. A full list of Registered Agents who have elected to make their information public can be found at: www.greenhouse.gov.au/rebates. When can I apply for a rebate?You can apply for a Federal Government rebate if your solar hot water system was installed after 17 July 2007. The rebate can only be claimed following installation of a new solar hot water system to replace your existing system.What is the deadline for applications?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.Can I apply for the rebate if I am renting?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. Are rebates available for new homes?Rebates are currently not available for new homes. For optimum environmental benefit, the Federal Government Rebate has been designed to specifically help households replace the worst greenhouse performing products with technologies that are greenhouse friendly.State governments are currently responsible for determining which hot water systems can be installed in new homes. Can I still apply for other State or Territory rebates?Yes, you can still apply for other rebates that apply in your state or territory, even if you have applied for the Federal Government rebate. Your Federal 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 Federal Government rebate and the State Government rebate, as long as you meet each rebate’s eligibility requirements.Can I get the rebate for a system I install on my investment property?Yes, you can receive a rebate for a system installed on an investment property. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. There is no requirement that this principal place of residence is that of the rebate applicant.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. Are rebates available for holiday homes?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 principal places of residence.Is the rebate means tested?To ensure that rebates go to Australian families who need the most assistance, the Federal Government has placed a cap of $100,000 on the applicant’s family taxable income.Taxable family income is determined by combining the taxable income of the applicant and their spouse in the most recent completed tax year. The family income test does not include income derived by any other person residing at the dwelling of the applicant. Although no supporting documentation is required to make an application for the rebate, you may be required to provide suitable evidence of family taxable income at a future date. This may include the respective Notice of Assessment produced by the Australian Taxation Office. Who is responsible for claiming the Federal Government Rebate?As the Federal Government rebate is only claimable after installation, it will need to be completed by the owner/purchaser of the solar hot water system. For further information, please click here.When will my payment be credited to my account?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.What about other rebates – are they included in the price?Our price for solar hot water includes any relevant state based rebates, however NSW has recently introduced a new rebate for replacement of existing electric hot water systems. This rebate, along with the Federal Government $1,000 rebate can only be claimed upon completion of an installation.The NSW rebate, available on our electric solar hot water systems to eligible customers, is $800 (based on a system eligible for 28 RECs). To find out more about the NSW rebate, please click here. What is meant by a five year warranty on the eligibility criteria for rebate?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 five 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 10 years. Am I still eligible for the Federal Government’s Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP)?Yes – if you receive the Federal Government’s solar hot water rebate, you may still be eligible for the Federal Government’s Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP).The PVRP offers rebates of up to $8,000 for the installation of photovoltaic systems (solar electricity systems) in certain circumstances. If you meet the eligibility requirements of that program, which differ from those for the solar hot water rebate, you may qualify for both rebates. To find out more about the PVRP, click here. About renewable energy certificates (RECs)What are Renewable Energy Certificates?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. Are Origin’s solar hot water systems eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates?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 discount.
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