Solar hot water systems
We handle installation, repairs and replacements of both roof-mounted and split solar hot water systems—prompt, compliant and designed for longevity.
Solar hot water systems are available in two distinct designs
Solar hot water systems come in two primary configurations—roof-mounted and split—offering a range of tank capacities and layouts to match different homes, climates and sites. Apart from cutting your environmental footprint, the main benefit is the noticeable reduction in your electricity bills.
Electric hot water units operate much like a kettle, using a heating element; in Queensland they’re typically offered in 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW sizes (the larger 4.8kW elements are rarely used because of their high power demand). These element ratings are consistent across leading brands such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai.
Bear in mind that element size doesn’t affect the system’s efficiency rating. For instance, a 1.8kW element consumes half the power of a 3.6kW element but will need roughly twice the time to bring the same volume of water to the same temperature.
Contemporary electric hot water systems are constructed with either:
Mild steel tanks coated with vitreous enamel and safeguarded by a sacrificial anode, or
Stainless steel tanks for greater longevity.
The older copper-style water heaters are no longer manufactured.
Need a Solar Hot Water System Installed Quickly? Maroochydore Hot Water Can Help!
Roof-mounted thermosyphon solar hot water systems.
Roof-Mounted Solar Hot Water Systems
This classic solar hot water arrangement places both the storage tank and the solar collectors up on the roof. It’s a long-standing solution in Australia and continues to be a reliable method for heating household water.
How They Work
The system relies on basic thermosyphon principles:
Cooler water settles at the lowest part of the tank and flows down into the solar collectors.
As the water in the collectors warms, it becomes lighter and rises back into the storage tank.
This natural circulation keeps replenishing the tank with hot water.
Modern Improvements
Older designs sometimes discharged excess water through the pressure and temperature relief valve during overheating. Contemporary thermosyphon units now often include a flow control valve that limits circulation once water reaches about 60°C.
That reduces unnecessary water loss, though it can mean the system stores slightly less hot water than older models.
On very hot days, these systems may produce a rumbling sound when taps are turned on; this is caused by superheated water moving through the collectors as pressure drops.
Tank & Collector Options
Collector sizes vary by manufacturer, offering different capacities for solar energy capture.
Evacuated tube collectors are generally not advised for Queensland conditions, as they can generate excessive solar gain and risk boiling off water for much of the day — they suit cooler, less equatorial climates better.
Storage tanks come in stainless steel or vitreous enamel–lined mild steel options.
Considerations
The primary downsides of roof-mounted systems are their visual impact and weight:
A filled storage tank can exceed 500kg, which puts considerable load on the roof structure.
Many homeowners also dislike the look of a large tank sitting on the roof.
Call Maroochydore Hot Water on 1300 218 122 for clear, local advice from a Maroochydore plumber about the best solar hot water system, including installation, repairs and gas and electric options for your home.
Ground-mounted split-system solar hot water units
A split solar hot water system places the storage tank at ground level while only the solar collectors sit on the roof. Collectors may be flat panels or evacuated tubes—however, evacuated tubes are generally unsuitable for Queensland’s conditions because they can overheat, lose water to boiling, and produce unnecessary rumbling.
How they work
Storage tanks are commonly available in 250L, 315L and 400L capacities.
A temperature sensor at the collectors and the tank monitors the difference in heat.
When the panels are about 10°C warmer than the tank water, a small circulation pump (typically 25W or less) starts, 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 very little power—often consuming less electricity daily than a microwave clock.
Build & installation
Copper flow and return piping is essential to cope with high temperatures.
At Maroochydore Hot Water, we run these pipes in one continuous length with no joints or fittings in the roof cavity and insulate them with 25mm high-temperature, UV-rated insulation to reduce heat loss.
Performance
Collector temperatures can reach around 120°C, and some systems will heat storage tanks up to about 75°C.
Once the tank hits its set temperature, water stays in the panels until household usage lowers the level enough to trigger the circulation again.
Why quality matters
Opting for a reputable brand is vital. 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 long-term reliability and peace of mind.
Call Maroochydore Hot Water on 1300 728 122 for straightforward, impartial advice on selecting the right solar hot water system, installation and repairs from a trusted Maroochydore plumber—covering gas and electric options.
Flat-panel solar collector
Evacuated tube solar collectors
Evacuated tube hot water collectors consist of multiple glass tubes, each housing a copper heat pipe filled with a heat-transfer medium. The tubes connect to a top manifold on the collector, where solar heat is gathered and conveyed to the storage cylinder.
System design
These systems are offered in sets of 12, 18, 24 or 32 tubes, chosen to match tank capacity and site-specific installation needs.
They are highly efficient — in direct sun the tube surfaces can reach temperatures of up to 250°C.
Suitability
Evacuated tubes were developed for cooler, European-style climates with lower solar angles and reduced irradiance.
They perform well in the cooler parts of Australia such as southern NSW, Victoria, South Australia and southern WA.
In Queensland’s climate, however, they frequently run too hot, causing overheating, increased water loss and gurgling or boiling noises within the tubes.
Considerations
Only a small number of suppliers in Australia still offer evacuated tube systems.
They generally cost about $1,000 more than flat-plate collectors and don’t deliver meaningful advantages in Maroochydore’s climate.
For most Maroochydore homes, our Maroochydore plumber team does not advise evacuated tubes — flat plate hot water systems provide better value, fewer issues and more reliable performance for local installation and repairs, whether gas and electric options are required.
Call Maroochydore Hot Water on 1300 728 122 for professional, impartial, fact-driven guidance from a local Maroochydore plumber with over 20 years serving South East Queensland.
You can call our Maroochydore plumber outside business hours and on weekends at 0413 861 166
Maroochydore Hot Water provides and fits solar hot water systems throughout Maroochydore—quick, compliant and designed for durability.
Let us guide you to the best choice for replacing or repairing your solar hot water system
Maroochydore Hot Water employs skilled technicians experienced in servicing all types of hot water systems
Call us NOW on 1300 728 122 or 0413 861 166 — available after hours and on weekends for installation, repairs and gas and electric hot water needs
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