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Solar-powered Hot Water Systems

Trust the North Lakes solar hot water specialists. We fit, service, and replace both roof-mounted and split solar hot water systems—quickly, 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 (integrated) and split — and offer a range of tank capacities and design variations to suit different houses, climates and siting requirements. Aside from the environmental upside of lowering energy consumption, the major benefit is the marked reduction in your electricity bills.

Electric hot water units operate similarly to a kettle, using a heating element, and in Queensland are typically found in 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW ratings (the 4.8kW elements are rarely used because of their high power demands). These element sizes are standard across popular brands such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai.

Bear in mind that element size does not affect the system’s efficiency rating. For instance, a 1.8kW element consumes half the power of a 3.6kW element, but will require roughly double the time to heat the same volume of water to the same temperature.

Contemporary electric hot water systems typically feature either:

Mild steel tanks coated with vitreous enamel and protected by a sacrificial anode, or

Stainless steel tanks for greater longevity.

Traditional copper-style water heaters are no longer manufactured.

Need solar hot water installed quickly? North Lakes Hot Water can help!

Roof-mounted thermosyphon solar hot water systems.

Roof-mounted solar hot water systems This classic solar arrangement places both the storage tank and the solar collectors up on the roof. It’s a long-established, reliable method of heating water used widely across Australia. How they operate These systems rely on basic thermosyphon principles: Cooler water drops to the lowest part of the tank and feeds into the solar collectors. As the water in the collectors heats, it rises back up into the storage tank. This natural circulation keeps replenishing the tank with hot water. Recent improvements Older designs would sometimes expel excess water through the pressure and temperature relief valve during overheating. Modern thermosyphon units now include a flow control valve that limits circulation once the water reaches about 60°C. That reduces avoidable water loss, although it can also mean slightly less stored hot water compared with older models. On very hot days these systems can occasionally make a rumbling sound when a tap is opened, caused by superheated water moving through the collectors as pressure drops. Tank and collector choices Collector sizes vary by manufacturer and deliver different levels of solar gain. Evacuated tube collectors are generally not recommended in Queensland because they can generate excessive solar gain and risk boiling off water during much of the day; they’re better suited to cooler, less equatorial climates. Storage tanks are typically offered in stainless steel or vitreous enamel-lined mild steel. Considerations The primary downsides of roof-mounted systems are their weight and visual impact: A full storage tank can weigh in excess of 500 kg, putting a substantial load on the roof structure. Many homeowners also find the visible tank less attractive. Call North Lakes Hot Water on 1300 218 122 for clear, professional advice on which solar hot water system, installation or repairs will best suit your home. We’re a local North Lakes plumber specialising in hot water systems, gas and electric solutions.

Ground-mounted split-system solar hot water units

A split solar hot water setup positions the storage tank at ground level while only the solar collectors are roof-mounted. Collectors may be flat panels or evacuated tubes — however, evacuated tube systems are generally unsuitable for Queensland’s conditions because they can overheat, lose water through boiling and produce avoidable rumbling noises.

How They Operate

Storage tanks typically come in 250L, 315L and 400L capacities.

A temperature sensor at the collectors and on the tank monitors the differential between them.

When the collectors are around 10°C warmer than the tank, a small circulation pump (usually 25W or less) switches on, moving approximately 2–3 litres per minute through the collectors.

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

The pumps run quietly and draw very little power — often using less electricity each day than your microwave clock.

Construction & Installation

Copper flow and return lines should always be installed to cope with high temperatures.

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

Performance

Collector temperatures can reach up to about 120°C, and some systems allow storage tanks to heat to around 75°C.

Once the tank reaches its set temperature, water can remain in the collectors until usage lowers the tank temperature enough to trigger the circulation again.

Why Quality Counts

Selecting a trusted brand is essential. 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 provides.

Call North Lakes Hot Water on 1300 728 122 for honest, expert 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 setting. How they operate Each collector contains a copper manifold with flat, powder-coated black plates designed to absorb maximum heat. As water moves through the copper tubing, heat is transferred by either: Thermosyphon circulation (roof-mounted systems that rely on the natural rise and fall of hot and cold water), or A circulation pump (split systems where the storage tank sits on the ground). The collectors are sealed with toughened glass and a fully insulated frame to trap heat and deliver reliable, long-term performance. Efficiency These panels can produce heat even without direct sunshine. On cloudy days they can still reach roughly twice the ambient temperature—for instance, when the air is 26°C the panels may heat water to about 52°C. Installation How many panels you need depends on the capacity of your storage tank. Typically two to three panels are required to suit the size of most common tanks. North Lakes plumber — hot water systems installation and repairs for both gas and electric models.

Evacuated tube solar collectors

Evacuated tube solar systems consist of multiple glass tubes, each housing a copper heat pipe filled with a thermal transfer fluid. The tubes connect into a manifold at the top of the collector where solar heat is captured and conveyed to the hot water storage tank. System design These systems are sold in arrays of 12, 18, 24 or 32 tubes, selected to match tank capacity and site-specific installation needs. They are highly efficient — tube surfaces can reach temperatures approaching 250°C in strong sunlight. Suitability Evacuated tubes were developed for cooler European climates with lower sun angles and less intense radiation. They perform well in cooler Australian regions such as southern NSW, Victoria, South Australia and southern WA. In Queensland, however, their high efficiency can cause overheating, increased water loss and audible boiling or rumbling within the tubes. Considerations Only a small number of Australian suppliers continue to offer evacuated tube systems. They are generally about $1,000 more costly than flat plate collectors, without providing notable advantages in Queensland’s climate. For most North Lakes households, we don’t advise evacuated tube systems — flat plate solar collectors usually provide superior value and more suitable performance locally.

Contact North Lakes Hot Water on 1300 728 122 for professional, impartial, evidence-based guidance from a local North Lakes plumber with over 20 years serving South East Queensland.

You can call North Lakes Hot Water any time, including weekends and after hours, on 0413 861 166.

At North Lakes Hot Water, we carry a broad selection of solar hot water systems on-site for prompt installation. Because we keep the key models we supply in stock, you won’t have to wait for deliveries—your new hot water system can be fitted quickly without hold-ups.

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