If your home has rooftop solar, it is reasonable to ask whether some of that electricity could heat your water. The answer depends on the hot water system, its electrical arrangement and when it operates.
Before replacing a heater or changing its schedule, establish what you already have. That gives you a useful starting point for comparing options for your NSW home.
Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels generate electricity. A compatible electric hot water system can use that electricity when it is available through the home’s electrical setup.
A solar thermal hot water system uses collectors to gather heat for water. Choosing a heater to work with solar PV is therefore a different discussion from buying a solar thermal system.
When requesting advice, make clear which technology is on your roof. A photo and the details of your current heater can help avoid confusion.
Solar generation and hot water heating need to overlap for the heater to directly use electricity generated at that time. Some electric hot water systems operate overnight or through controlled-load arrangements.
The Australian Government’s Solar Consumer Guide explains that moving hot water heating to solar hours can help, but is not always beneficial. The heater may still draw electricity from the grid when its demand exceeds solar generation, and the outcome depends on the electricity plan.
Ask an appropriately qualified electrician to assess any proposed connection changes. The guide specifically notes that changing from controlled load to solar self-consumption requires an accredited electrician.
Check the bill for your tariff arrangement and solar feed-in rate. If a monitoring app is available, look at when the home exports electricity and when it imports power.
Do not assume the largest generation period leaves the most electricity available for water heating. Other appliances may also be running. Give the adviser a picture of an ordinary day, including regular daytime loads.
Ask what information is needed to compare the current arrangement with a proposed one. Any savings estimate should explain its assumptions about generation, grid imports and tariffs.
Ask whether keeping the current system and changing its operation is practical. If replacement is being considered, request an assessment of suitable electric storage and heat pump models.
The Solar Consumer Guide notes that heat pumps use less electricity than conventional resistive water heaters. That distinction is useful, but the product still needs to suit your household and installation space.
Browse NSW Hot Water’s available systems to prepare a shortlist, then have compatibility and installation requirements checked.
Explain when showers and baths usually happen. Ask how the proposed heating arrangement will serve that routine, what happens on low-generation days and which settings should be used.
Before proceeding, request a clear explanation of the proposed system, electrical work and operating arrangement. This makes it easier to judge both the upfront cost and the practical result.
Contact NSW Hot Water with your heater details, solar information and electricity bill. Confirm service availability for your postcode and arrange advice on a setup suited to your home.
