Solahart Hot Water System: What to Know Before Choosing Solar, Heat Pump or Electric Hot Water

Oct 26, 2024

A Solahart hot water system is usually considered by homeowners looking at solar hot water, lower electricity use and a more energy-conscious way to heat water. Solar hot water can be a strong option where the home has suitable roof space, sun exposure, collector placement and booster setup.

However, Solahart is not the only hot water pathway to compare. Many Australian households now compare solar hot water with heat pump hot water systems, electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems and instant gas hot water systems, depending on the property and energy source.

Installed Today makes it easy to compare and order hot water systems online, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas and selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

Quick Answer: Is a Solahart Hot Water System Worth Comparing?

Yes, a Solahart hot water system is worth comparing if you want solar hot water and your property has suitable roof conditions. But it should be compared against heat pump, electric and gas hot water options before you decide.

As a general guide:

Solar hot water can suit homes with good roof space, sun exposure and booster planning
Heat pump hot water can suit homes wanting an efficient electric-style upgrade without roof collectors
Electric storage hot water can suit simple replacements and homes without gas
Gas hot water can suit homes already using natural gas or LPG
Instant gas hot water can suit homes wanting continuous flow hot water where gas pipe sizing and water pressure support it
Rebates, STCs and incentives can change
Supply-only pricing usually covers the product only
Installer confirmation matters before ordering any replacement system

A Solahart system may suit some homes, but the best hot water system is the one that matches your roof, household demand, energy source, installation location and long-term running cost goals.

What Is a Solahart Hot Water System?

A Solahart hot water system is generally known as a solar hot water system. Solar hot water systems use roof-mounted collectors to capture heat from the sun and transfer that heat into stored water.

Most solar hot water systems include:

Solar collectors
A hot water storage tank
Pipework between collectors and tank
An electric or gas booster
Valves and controls
Roof mounting components
Plumbing connections

The booster is important because solar hot water still needs backup heating during cloudy weather, high-demand periods or times when solar gain is low.

How Solar Hot Water Works

Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat water through roof-mounted collectors. The heated water is stored in a tank for household use.

The basic process is:

Sunlight hits the roof-mounted collectors
Heat is transferred into water or heat-transfer fluid
Heated water moves into the storage tank
Hot water is stored for use in showers, kitchens and laundries
A booster helps maintain water temperature when solar gain is not enough

System design can vary depending on whether the system is close-coupled, split-system, open-circuit, closed-circuit, electric-boosted or gas-boosted.

Solahart Hot Water vs Heat Pump Hot Water

A heat pump hot water system is one of the most common alternatives people compare against solar hot water.

A heat pump uses heat from the surrounding air to help heat stored water. It does not need roof-mounted collectors.

Option	How It Works	Best Suited To	Key Checks
Solahart-style solar hot water	Uses roof collectors and a booster	Homes with suitable roof space and sun exposure	Roof orientation, shading, booster, roof access
Heat pump hot water	Uses surrounding air to heat stored water	Homes with suitable outdoor space and airflow	Airflow, drainage, electrical supply, noise placement
Electric storage	Uses an electric element in a tank	Simple replacements and homes without gas	Tank size, electrical supply, valves, drainage
Gas hot water	Uses natural gas or LPG	Homes already set up for gas	Correct gas type, gas pipe sizing, water pressure

A solar hot water system may be better where the roof is ideal. A heat pump may be better where roof access, shading, collector space or upfront installation complexity makes solar less suitable.

When a Solahart-Style Solar Hot Water System May Suit

A solar hot water system may suit homes with:

Good roof space
Minimal shading
Suitable roof orientation
Suitable roof pitch
Enough space for collectors
A practical storage tank location
A suitable electric or gas booster setup
Long-term energy efficiency goals
A household that uses enough hot water to justify the system
Installer confirmation that roof and plumbing conditions suit

Solar hot water can be a good fit where the home is well-positioned for solar gain and the owner plans to stay long enough to benefit from the investment.

When Solar Hot Water May Not Be the Best Fit

A Solahart-style solar hot water system may not suit every property.

It may be less suitable where:

The roof is heavily shaded
Roof orientation is poor
Roof access is difficult
There is limited collector space
The roof structure needs extra work
The tank location is difficult
The old solar collectors need removal
The home has low hot water use
The system cost is too high for the expected benefit
A heat pump can achieve the goal with simpler installation
The owner wants a ground-level hot water solution

Solar hot water should be assessed by roof conditions, not just energy goals.

Solahart Hot Water vs Electric Storage Hot Water

Electric hot water systems are often compared when replacing an older hot water system.

Electric storage uses an electric element to heat water inside a tank. It is usually simpler than solar hot water because it does not need roof-mounted collectors.

Electric storage may suit:

Simple like-for-like replacements
Homes without natural gas or LPG
Rental properties
Homes where roof access is unsuitable for solar
Customers wanting a familiar tank-style system
Households wanting a lower-complexity supply-only product

Common electric storage categories include:

Popular electric storage options include:

If the old electric system regularly ran out of hot water, do not automatically replace it with the same size.

Solahart Hot Water vs Gas Hot Water

Gas hot water systems may suit homes already using natural gas or LPG.

Gas hot water can be storage or instant gas.

Gas may suit homes that:

Already have natural gas or LPG
Want gas storage hot water
Want instant gas hot water
Have suitable gas pipe sizing
Have suitable water pressure
Have outdoor installation space
Prefer gas-style hot water over electric or solar

Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter. Natural gas and LPG systems are not interchangeable.

Solahart Hot Water vs Instant Gas Hot Water

Instant gas hot water systems, also called continuous flow gas hot water systems, heat water as it flows through the unit. They do not store a full tank of hot water.

Instant gas may suit homes that:

Want continuous flow hot water
Already have natural gas or LPG
Have suitable gas pipe sizing
Have suitable water pressure
Have outdoor wall space
Want a compact alternative to a storage tank

Common instant gas sizes include 16L, 20L and 26L.

A 26L instant gas hot water system may suit some higher-demand homes, but only where gas pipe sizing and water pressure support it.

Popular instant gas options include:

Heat Pump Hot Water as a Solahart Alternative

For many homes, heat pump hot water is the most practical alternative to a solar hot water system.

A heat pump may suit homes that:

Want to reduce hot water electricity use
Are replacing older electric storage
Have suitable outdoor space
Have clear airflow
Can manage condensate drainage
Have suitable electrical supply
Want to pair hot water operation with rooftop solar where timing suits
Do not want roof-mounted solar hot water collectors

Heat pumps still need the right installation location. They should not be boxed into tight enclosed spaces, and noise placement should be considered near bedrooms and neighbouring windows.

Many homes compare:

Popular heat pump options include:

Solahart Hot Water and Rooftop Solar PV

Solar hot water and rooftop solar PV are different technologies.

Solar hot water uses roof collectors to heat water directly
Solar PV uses panels to generate electricity
Heat pump hot water can sometimes be timed to run during stronger solar PV generation periods
Electric storage can also sometimes be timed around tariffs or solar where the setup suits

A household with rooftop solar PV may still compare heat pump hot water, electric storage, gas or solar hot water depending on the property.

Do not assume one setup is automatically best. The right option depends on energy use, roof conditions, budget and installer advice.

Roof Orientation and Shading

Roof conditions are critical for Solahart-style solar hot water.

Before choosing solar hot water, check:

Roof orientation
Roof pitch
Shading from trees or neighbouring buildings
Collector location
Available roof space
Roof age and condition
Roof access
Pipework route
Tank location
Booster type
Maintenance access

Poor roof conditions can reduce solar hot water performance and make a heat pump or electric storage option more practical.

Frost and Climate Considerations

Solar hot water system suitability can depend on climate.

In colder or frost-prone areas, the system design must suit the conditions. Some solar hot water systems require frost protection or a closed-circuit setup depending on the location and model.

Before ordering or replacing solar hot water, confirm:

Whether the property is in a frost-prone area
Whether the selected system suits the climate
Whether frost protection is required
Whether the system is open-circuit or closed-circuit
Whether roof exposure increases risk
Whether the manufacturer requirements are met

Climate suitability should be confirmed before choosing solar hot water.

Booster Heating and Backup Hot Water

Solar hot water systems usually need a booster. This helps maintain hot water during cloudy weather, high-demand use or low solar gain periods.

Boosters may be:

Electric
Gas
In-tank
Inline
Controlled manually or automatically depending on the setup

Before choosing a Solahart-style system, confirm:

Booster type
Booster energy source
Booster control method
Whether gas or electrical work is needed
Whether the booster suits household demand
Whether running costs fit your budget

A solar hot water system without suitable boosting may not meet household needs during low-sun periods.

Solar Hot Water Installation Considerations

Solar hot water installation can be more complex than a simple electric storage replacement.

Possible installation considerations include:

Roof collector mounting
Tank location
Roof access
Pipework route
Booster setup
Electrical work
Gas work where gas boosting is used
Roof condition
Structural suitability
Old system removal
Old collector removal
Disposal
Valves and drainage
Tempering valve requirements
Compliance upgrades

For some homes, a heat pump can be easier to compare because it avoids roof-mounted collectors.

What Is Not Included in Supply-Only Hot Water Pricing?

For supply-only products, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

Installation labour
Plumbing alterations
Electrical work
Gas work
New valves
Pipework changes
Gas pipe upgrades
Drainage changes
Condensate drainage for heat pumps
Tempering valve upgrades
Pressure limiting valve upgrades
Expansion control valves
Old unit removal
Disposal
Compliance upgrades
Concrete bases or slab work
Flue kits unless listed
Temperature controllers unless listed
Solar collector removal
Roof work
Relocation of the system
Rebate administration
Site assessment

Always check the product page and confirm full site requirements with your licensed installer before ordering supply only.

Supply-Only vs Supplied-and-Installed

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

Supply-only may suit you if:

Your installer has confirmed the correct product
The system size suits your household
The energy source has been checked
The correct gas type has been selected where relevant
Electrical requirements have been checked
Water pressure has been reviewed
Roof, access and drainage are suitable
You understand what is not included in the product price

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

Before choosing a supplied-and-installed option, check exactly what is included and what may be extra.

Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Solar hot water, heat pump hot water and some energy-efficient upgrades may be eligible for rebates, STCs or incentives depending on the product, location, supplier pathway and current program rules.

These incentives can change.

Before relying on any rebate or discount, confirm:

Whether the selected product qualifies
Whether your property qualifies
Whether the old system type matters
Whether supply-only purchases are eligible
Whether an approved supplier or installer is required
Whether pre-approval is needed
Whether the incentive is applied upfront or claimed later
Whether the rebate or STC value is already included in the price

A rebate can improve value, but it should not be the only reason you choose a system. The system still needs to suit the home.

Maintenance and Longevity

Solar hot water systems need maintenance like any other hot water system. Maintenance requirements vary by brand, model, water quality, roof exposure and installation conditions.

General maintenance considerations include:

Checking for leaks
Watching for corrosion
Following manufacturer servicing guidance
Checking valves where required
Checking the anode where applicable
Keeping collectors clean where practical and safe
Monitoring booster operation
Watching for unusual hot water temperature changes
Checking roof-mounted components where required
Using licensed trades for plumbing, gas or electrical work

Do not climb on the roof or attempt plumbing, gas or electrical repairs yourself.

Common Solar Hot Water Problems to Watch For

A solar hot water system may need attention if you notice:

No hot water
Hot water only when booster runs
Water not staying hot
Leaks around the tank or collectors
Unusual noises
Visible corrosion
Poor performance during normal sunny weather
Error or controller issues
Booster faults
High electricity or gas use due to frequent boosting

These issues should be checked by a qualified technician or licensed tradesperson where required.

Comparing Brands and System Types

Installed Today stocks a range of major hot water brands across electric, gas and heat pump categories, including:

Brand matters, but system type, size, roof conditions, energy source, water pressure, access and site suitability matter more than brand alone.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Considerations

For Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, solar hot water, heat pump hot water and gas hot water can all be worth comparing depending on the property.

Common local considerations include:

Strong sun exposure on suitable roofs
Shading from trees or neighbouring buildings
Roof pitch and orientation
Replacing older electric storage systems
Comparing heat pump upgrades
Natural gas vs LPG availability
Outdoor wall space for instant gas
Gas pipe sizing for 26L systems
Heat pump airflow and noise placement
Condensate drainage
Tight side access
Existing valve condition
Old unit removal and disposal
Whether the selected product is eligible for supplied-and-installed options

Installed Today offers selected supplied-and-installed options on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Solahart and Other Hot Water Systems

Choosing Solar Without Checking the Roof

Solar hot water depends heavily on roof space, orientation, shading and access.

Ignoring Booster Costs

Solar hot water still needs backup boosting during low-sun periods or higher demand.

Comparing Product-Only and Installed Pricing Incorrectly

Supply-only pricing is not the same as installed pricing.

Assuming Heat Pump and Solar Are the Same

Heat pump hot water and solar hot water are different technologies with different installation requirements.

Forgetting About Old Collector Removal

Replacing an old solar hot water system can involve roof collector removal and disposal.

Assuming Rebates Are Guaranteed

Rebates, STCs and incentives can change and may depend on product, supplier, installer and location.

Choosing by Brand Alone

The best hot water system is the one that suits the home and usage pattern.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before choosing a Solahart-style solar hot water system, heat pump or replacement hot water system, confirm:

Current system type
Current system size
Whether the old system ran out of hot water
Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Shower habits
Peak hot water demand
Roof orientation
Roof shading
Roof access
Booster type
Electric, natural gas or LPG availability
Correct gas type where relevant
Electrical requirements
Water pressure
Heat pump airflow and drainage
Outdoor or indoor suitability
Access for delivery and installation
Drainage and overflow requirements
Whether new valves may be needed
Whether old unit removal is included
Whether solar collector removal is needed
Whether disposal is included
Whether rebates or STCs may apply
Whether supply-only affects rebate eligibility
Whether supply-only or supplied-and-installed is the right option
Installer confirmation before buying supply only

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Solahart hot water system?

A Solahart hot water system is generally a solar hot water system that uses roof-mounted collectors to help heat water, with a booster for low-sun or high-demand periods.

Is Solahart better than a heat pump?

It depends on the property. Solar hot water needs suitable roof space, sun exposure and booster planning. Heat pump hot water needs suitable outdoor space, airflow, condensate drainage, electrical supply and sensible noise placement.

Is solar hot water worth it?

Solar hot water can be worth comparing where the home has good roof conditions and enough hot water demand. Upfront cost, roof access, booster use, maintenance and incentives should all be considered.

Do solar hot water systems work on cloudy days?

They can still receive some solar gain, but performance may be reduced. A booster helps maintain hot water when solar gain is not enough.

Does solar hot water need electricity or gas?

Most solar hot water systems use an electric or gas booster. Some controls, pumps or components may also require electricity depending on the system design.

What is the best alternative to a Solahart hot water system?

For many homes, a heat pump hot water system is the main alternative to compare because it can reduce electricity use without roof-mounted solar hot water collectors. Electric storage and gas hot water may also suit depending on the home.

Can I replace solar hot water with a heat pump?

Yes, in some homes. A heat pump needs suitable outdoor space, airflow, condensate drainage, electrical suitability and access. Old solar collector removal may also need to be considered.

Are rebates available for solar or heat pump hot water?

Rebates, STCs and incentives may be available depending on product, location and current program rules. Eligibility can change, so confirm before ordering.

Does supply-only hot water pricing include installation?

No. Supply-only generally means the product only unless installation is selected or clearly shown. Installation, valves, electrical work, gas work, pipework, drainage, removal, disposal and compliance upgrades are usually separate.

Can I install a solar hot water system myself?

No. Solar hot water systems involve plumbing, roof work, electrical or gas boosting, valves, water pressure and compliance requirements. Use licensed trades where required.

Final Word

A Solahart hot water system can be worth considering if your home has suitable roof space, sun exposure and the right booster setup. But it should be compared with heat pump, electric and gas hot water options before you decide.

Heat pump hot water can be a strong alternative where roof conditions are poor or you want an efficient electric-style system without roof-mounted collectors. Electric storage can suit simple replacements. Gas hot water can suit homes already using natural gas or LPG.

Before ordering supply only through Installed Today, confirm the selected product with your licensed installer. If choosing a supplied-and-installed option in an eligible Brisbane or Gold Coast service area, check exactly what is included before placing the order.

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