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Solar-powered Hot Water Systems

Trust the Maroochydore solar hot water specialists. We install, service and replace both roof-mounted and split solar hot water systems—prompt, compliant and designed for longevity.

Solar hot water systems are available in two distinct configurations

Solar hot water systems come in two primary configurations—roof-mounted and split—with a range of tank capacities and design choices to match different homes, climates and sites. Besides lowering your environmental footprint by cutting energy consumption, the chief benefit is the noticeable reduction in your electricity bills. Electric hot water units operate similarly to a kettle, using a heating element, and in Queensland are typically offered in 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW sizes (the larger 4.8kW elements are rarely used because of their high power draw). These element ratings are common across major brands such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai. Bear in mind that element size does not alter a system’s efficiency rating. A 1.8kW element consumes half the power of a 3.6kW element, but will require about twice as long to raise the same volume of water to the same temperature. Contemporary electric hot water systems are manufactured with either: Mild steel tanks coated with vitreous enamel and safeguarded by a sacrificial anode, or Stainless steel tanks for greater longevity. Copper-style water heaters are no longer manufactured.

Need solar hot water fitted quickly? We’re here to help!

Roof-mounted thermosyphon solar hot water systems.

Roof-mounted solar hot water systems This is the classic solar hot water arrangement, with both the storage tank and solar collectors mounted on the roof. These setups have a long history in Australia and continue to be a reliable option for heating household water. How they work They rely on simple thermosyphon principles: Cooler water sinks to the lowest part of the tank and feeds into the solar collectors. As the water in the collectors is heated by the sun, it becomes buoyant and rises back into the storage tank. This passive circulation repeats continuously, maintaining a supply of hot water in the tank. Modern improvements Older designs often lost excess water through the pressure and temperature relief valve during overheating. Contemporary thermosyphon systems now include a flow control valve that limits circulation once water reaches about 60°C. That reduces unnecessary water loss, though it can also mean the system stores slightly less hot water than older models. On very hot days these systems can sometimes make a rumbling sound when taps are opened, caused by superheated water moving through the collectors as pressure drops. Tank and collector options Collector sizes vary by manufacturer, offering different levels of solar gain. Evacuated tube collectors are generally not recommended in Queensland because they can produce excessive solar gain and risk boiling off water for much of the day; they suit cooler, more southerly climates better. Storage tanks are offered in stainless steel or vitreous enamel lined mild steel. Considerations The primary downsides of roof-mounted systems are their weight and appearance: A full storage tank can exceed 500 kg, imposing a substantial load on the roof structure. Many homeowners also consider the large rooftop tank visually intrusive. Call Maroochydore Hot Water on 1300 218 122 for clear, local advice on which solar hot water system, installation or repairs will best suit your home. We’re a Maroochydore plumber specialising in hot water systems, gas and electric options.

Split-system, ground-mounted solar hot water systems

A split solar hot water system places the storage tank at ground level while only the solar collectors are roof-mounted. Collectors can be flat panels or evacuated tubes — however, evacuated tubes are generally unsuitable for Queensland’s conditions since they can overheat, boil off water and produce avoidable rumbling sounds.

How they work

Storage tanks commonly come in sizes such as 250L, 315L and 400L.

A temperature sensor at the panels and another at the tank monitor the differential between them.

When the collectors are around 10°C warmer than the tank water, a small circulation pump (typically 25W or less) kicks in, circulating roughly 2–3 litres per minute through the collectors.

This process moves heat from the collectors back into the tank, where natural convection causes the hottest water to rise to the top.

The pumps are quiet and use minimal electricity — most consume less power daily than a microwave clock.

Build & installation

Copper flow and return piping should always be used to withstand high temperatures.

At Maroochydore Hot Water, we run these pipes in a single continuous length with no joints or fittings inside the roof cavity and insulate them with 25mm high-temperature, UV-rated insulation to reduce heat loss.

Performance

Panel temperatures can reach up to about 120°C, and some systems allow storage tanks to get as hot as 75°C.

Once the tank hits its set temperature, water remains in the collectors until usage lowers the tank temperature enough to trigger circulation again.

Why quality matters

Selecting a trusted brand is essential. Many low-cost imports with inferior components have led to significant problems and unexpected expenses for homeowners. The extra cost for a dependable system is small compared with the long-term reliability and peace of mind it delivers.

Contact Maroochydore Hot Water on 1300 728 122 for straightforward, impartial advice on the right solar hot water system for your home.

Flat-panel solar collector

Flat plate collectors are the most widely used solar hot water panels across Australia and perform well in nearly any climate or roof setting. How they work Each collector contains a copper manifold with flat plates finished in black powder coat to absorb maximum heat. As water moves through the copper tubing, it is heated by either: Thermosyphon circulation (in roof-mounted setups, relying on natural convection as hot water rises), or A circulation pump (in split systems where the storage tank sits at ground level). The collectors sit beneath toughened glass within a fully insulated frame, trapping heat for reliable long-term performance. Efficiency These panels still produce warmth without direct sun. Even on cloudy days they can raise water temperatures to roughly twice the ambient air temperature—for instance, about 52°C when the air is 26°C. Installation Panel quantity is determined by your hot water tank capacity. Typically two to three panels are needed to suit standard storage tanks. Maroochydore plumber — installation and repairs of solar hot water systems, including gas and electric backups.

Evacuated tube solar collectors

Evacuated tube systems consist of multiple glass tubes, each housing a copper heat pipe filled with a heat-transfer fluid. The tubes slot into a top-mounted manifold on the collector, where solar heat is absorbed and passed on to the storage tank.

System design

They are offered in layouts of 12, 18, 24 or 32 tubes, chosen to suit tank capacity and installation needs.

Highly efficient—tube surfaces can reach around 250°C in strong sunlight.

Suitability

These systems were developed mainly for European-style climates, where solar intensity is lower and sun angles are reduced.

They perform well in cooler Australian regions such as southern NSW, Victoria, South Australia and southern WA.

In Queensland, however, evacuated tubes tend to be overly efficient, which can cause overheating, greater water loss and boiling noises from the tubes.

Considerations

Only a handful of suppliers still carry evacuated tube systems in Australia.

They usually cost about $1,000 more than flat plate collectors, without offering notable advantages in Queensland’s climate.

For most Maroochydore homes, we don’t recommend evacuated tubes; flat plate hot water systems offer better value and more reliable performance locally. If you need a Maroochydore plumber for installation or repairs of gas and electric hot water systems, we can help.

Contact Maroochydore Hot Water on 1300 728 122 for professional, impartial, fact-driven guidance from a local Maroochydore plumber with over 20 years servicing South East Queensland.

You can ring us on 0413 861 166 outside normal hours and on weekends.

At Maroochydore Hot Water, we hold a broad selection of solar hot water systems on-site for prompt installation. By maintaining stock of the leading models we supply, you won’t need to wait for parts to arrive—your new hot water system can be fitted without unnecessary delay.

We also provide Easy Payment Plans to help spread the initial cost. With terms ranging from 1 to 3 years and fortnightly repayments following a small deposit, your repayments can sit close to the savings you’ll achieve on your electricity bills.