Solar & Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

With more sunny days than almost any capital in the country, Perth is close to the perfect place for solar hot water. Both solar and heat pump systems slash the energy needed to heat your water, and with federal rebates knocking a chunk off the upfront cost, they've never made more sense. Yes, they cost more to buy than a standard electric or gas tank, but the running-cost savings add up fast.

Our licensed Canning Vale plumbers install and service solar and heat pump hot water across the Perth south-east. Here's how they work and what you'll save.

How solar hot water works

A solar hot water system uses collector panels on your roof to capture heat from the sun and transfer it to the water in a storage tank. On a typical Perth day, the sun does most or all of the heating for free. There are two common configurations:

• Thermosiphon (close-coupled) systems have the tank mounted on the roof directly above the collectors, using natural circulation with no pump.
• Split systems keep the tank on the ground and use a small pump to circulate water up to the roof collectors, which many homeowners prefer for looks and roof loading.

Because the sun isn't guaranteed every day, solar systems include a booster, either electric or gas, that tops up the tank during cloudy stretches or heavy use. So you always have hot water, you just use very little bought energy to get it.

How heat pump hot water works

A heat pump works like a reverse fridge. Instead of collecting sunlight, it draws warmth from the surrounding air and uses it to heat the water in the tank. It runs on electricity, but because it's moving heat rather than generating it, it uses roughly a third of the power of a standard electric element. Heat pumps don't need roof collectors, work day and night, and are a great option for homes with limited roof space or heavy shading. Perth's mild climate suits them well.

STC rebates and savings

Both solar and heat pump systems qualify for federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Renewable Energy Target. These certificates have a dollar value that's typically applied as an upfront discount at the point of sale, meaningfully cutting the purchase price. The exact number of certificates depends on the system, your location and the current market price.

On top of the rebate, the running-cost savings are where these systems really pay off. By replacing an old electric tank with solar or a heat pump, many households cut their water-heating energy use dramatically, and water heating is often one of the biggest slices of a home's energy bill. Over the life of the system, those savings usually far outweigh the higher upfront cost. Our detailed guide to solar hot water rebates in WA explains how the incentives work and how to make the most of them.

Solar vs heat pump: which suits you?

Both are excellent low-running-cost choices. Solar tends to win where you have a sunny, unshaded roof, while a heat pump is ideal where roof space is tight or heavily shaded. We'll assess your home and usage and recommend the better fit rather than pushing one option. If you're still comparing against conventional systems, see our electric vs gas vs solar hot water guide.

Brands we install

We install and service the trusted names in solar and heat pump hot water, including Solahart, Rheem, Dux and Bosch. Solahart is one of Australia's best-known solar brands, born and built for our climate, while Rheem and Dux offer strong solar and heat pump ranges. We'll recommend a reliable, well-supported system matched to your needs and budget.

Installation, servicing and licensing

Installing solar or heat pump hot water involves plumbing, and often electrical and roof work, so in Western Australia it must be carried out by a licensed plumber, with electrical work by a licensed electrician. Correct installation is also essential to qualify for STC rebates. We handle the lot, from removing your old system to commissioning the new one and helping with the certificate paperwork.

Solar and heat pump systems also benefit from periodic servicing to keep them running efficiently and to protect the tank, which we can build into your general maintenance plumbing.

Making the switch worthwhile

The best time to move to solar or a heat pump is when your existing system is nearing the end of its life, since you're going to spend money on hot water anyway, and the efficiency gains start paying you back immediately. If your old electric or gas tank is over ten years old or starting to play up, it's worth getting our assessment before it fails, so you can plan the upgrade rather than react to a breakdown.

A few practical points make the switch smoother. Solar systems need a suitably oriented, unshaded section of roof that can take the collector and, for close-coupled systems, the weight of a full tank. Heat pumps need a bit of clear air space around the unit to draw in and expel air, and they do make a low hum, so placement matters. We assess all of this on site, so the system we recommend is one that will actually perform well in your home rather than one that looks good on paper.

Ready to cut your hot water bills and make the most of Perth's sunshine? Call our licensed Canning Vale plumbers or request a quote today. We'll assess your home, explain the rebates, and give you upfront pricing with no surprises.

Frequently asked questions

How much can I save with solar or heat pump hot water?

Water heating is one of the biggest slices of a home's energy bill, and switching from an old electric tank to solar or a heat pump can cut that energy use dramatically. Combined with the upfront STC rebate, most households find the running-cost savings far outweigh the higher purchase price over the system's life.

What are STC rebates for hot water?

Small-scale Technology Certificates are a federal incentive under the Renewable Energy Target for eligible solar and heat pump systems. They carry a dollar value that's usually applied as an upfront discount when you buy, lowering the purchase price. The number of certificates depends on the system, your location and the current market rate.

Does solar hot water work on cloudy days in Perth?

Yes. Solar systems include an electric or gas booster that automatically tops up the tank during cloudy stretches or heavy use, so you always have hot water. Perth's sunny climate means the sun does most of the heating most of the year, and the booster only fills the gaps.

Solar or heat pump — which is better for my home?

Solar suits homes with a sunny, unshaded roof and room for collectors. A heat pump is ideal where roof space is limited or heavily shaded, since it draws heat from the air and works day or night without panels. Both offer very low running costs. We'll assess your home and recommend the better fit.