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Solar hot water systems

Trust the Maroochydore solar hot water specialists. We fit, service and replace both rooftop and split solar hot water systems—quickly, to code, and designed for longevity.

Solar hot water systems are available in two main styles

Solar hot water systems come in two primary configurations—roof-mounted and split—offering a range of tank capacities and design choices to match different houses, climates and sites. Aside from the environmental benefit of lowering energy consumption, the main perk is the noticeable reduction in your electricity bills. Electric hot water units operate like a kettle, using an element to heat water; in Queensland the common element ratings are 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW (the 4.8kW elements are seldom used because of their heavy power demand). These element sizes are consistent across leading brands such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai. Bear in mind that element size doesn’t affect the unit’s efficiency rating. For instance, a 1.8kW element draws half the power of a 3.6kW element, but will require roughly twice the time to heat the same volume of water to the same temperature. Contemporary electric hot water systems are typically constructed with either: – Mild steel tanks coated with vitreous enamel and safeguarded by a sacrificial anode, or – Stainless steel tanks for greater longevity. Traditional copper-style water heaters are no longer manufactured.

Require a solar hot water system fitted quickly? We’re here to help!

Roof-mounted thermosyphon solar hot water systems.

Roof-mounted solar hot water systems This is the classic solar hot water arrangement, with both the storage tank and solar collectors positioned on the roof. These units have long been used across Australia and continue to be a reliable method of heating water. How they work They operate using simple thermosyphon principles: Cooler water settles at the lowest part of the tank and is drawn into the solar collectors. As the water warms in the collectors it becomes buoyant and rises back into the storage tank. This natural circulation keeps replenishing the tank with heated water. Modern improvements Older designs often discharged excess water through the temperature and pressure relief valve when the system overheated. Contemporary thermosyphon models now include a flow control valve that limits circulation once water reaches around 60°C. This reduces unnecessary water loss, although it can result in the system holding slightly less hot water than earlier models. On very hot days these systems can sometimes produce a rumbling sound when taps are opened, caused by superheated water moving through the collectors as pressure drops. Tank and collector options Collectors are offered in various sizes depending on the manufacturer, delivering different amounts of solar gain. Evacuated tube collectors are generally not recommended for Queensland, as they can deliver excessive solar gain and risk boiling water off during much of the day; they suit cooler, less equatorial climates better. Storage tanks are available in stainless steel or vitreous enamel–lined mild steel. Considerations The primary downsides of roof-mounted systems are their weight and appearance: A fully loaded storage tank can weigh in excess of 500 kg, imposing a substantial load on the roof structure. Many householders also find the large, visible tank less attractive. Call Hot Water Maroochydore on 1300 218 122 for clear, local advice from a Maroochydore plumber about which solar hot water system, installation or repairs will best suit your home, including gas and electric options.

Ground-mounted split-system solar hot water units

A split solar hot water system locates 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 through boiling and produce unnecessary rumbling sounds.

How they work

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

A temperature sensor on the panels and the tank tracks the differential.

When the collectors are around 10°C warmer than the tank water, a small circulation pump (usually 25W or less) kicks in, transferring water at roughly 2–3 litres per minute through the collectors.

This process moves heat from the collectors back into the tank, and natural convection lets the hottest water rise to the top.

The pumps are quiet and use very little electricity—often consuming less power in a day than the display clock on your microwave.

Build & installation

Copper flow and return piping should be used to withstand the high temperatures involved.

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

Performance

Panel temperatures can reach up to 120°C, and some systems allow storage tanks to climb as high as 75°C.

Once the tank attains its set temperature, water will remain in the collectors until usage lowers the tank temperature enough to restart the circulation.

Why quality matters

Selecting a trusted brand is essential. Numerous cheap imports with inferior components have led to significant faults and unplanned costs for homeowners. The extra cost for a dependable system is minor compared with the long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Call Hot Water Maroochydore on 1300 728 122 for straightforward, impartial advice about the best solar hot water system, installation and repairs 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 roof setting. How they operate Each panel contains a copper manifold with flat, black powder-coated plates designed to absorb maximum heat. As water moves through the copper tubing, heat is transferred by either: Thermosyphon circulation (used in roof-mounted systems, relying on the natural convection of hot water rising and cold water falling), or A circulation pump (used in split systems where the storage tank sits at ground level). The collectors are sealed with toughened glass and encased in a fully insulated frame to retain heat and provide durable performance. Efficiency These panels can produce heat even without direct sunlight. On cloudy days they can still raise water temperature to roughly double the ambient air temperature—for example, with a 26°C air temperature the panels may heat water to about 52°C. Installation How many panels you need depends on your storage tank capacity. Typically, two to three panels are required to suit the size of most common hot water storage tanks.

Evacuated-tube solar panels

Evacuated tube collectors consist of multiple glass tubes, each housing a copper rod with a heat-transfer fluid. These tubes fit into a manifold at the top of the collector, where solar energy is captured and conveyed to the storage cylinder.

System design

They are offered in sets of 12, 18, 24 or 32 tubes, chosen to match tank capacity and specific installation needs.

Highly efficient—tube surfaces can reach temperatures up to about 250°C in direct sunlight.

Suitability

These systems are primarily engineered for cooler European-style climates, where solar intensity is lower and sun angles are reduced.

They perform well in Australia’s cooler areas such as southern NSW, Victoria, South Australia and southern WA.

In Queensland, however, their efficiency often becomes a drawback, causing overheating, increased water loss and gurgling or boiling noises within the tubes.

Considerations

Only a handful of suppliers still offer evacuated tube systems in Australia.

They generally cost about $1,000 more than flat-plate collectors, without providing clear advantages in Queensland’s climate.

For most Maroochydore households, we advise against evacuated tubes; flat-plate systems tend to offer superior value and more reliable performance locally.

Call Hot Water Maroochydore on 1300 728 122 for professional, impartial, evidence-based guidance from a local Maroochydore plumber with over 20 years’ experience serving South East Queensland.

You can call our Maroochydore team evenings and weekends on 0413 861 166 for hot water system help.

At Hot Water Maroochydore, we carry a broad selection of solar hot water systems on-site for prompt installation. Keeping the key models we supply in stock means you won’t wait for deliveries — your new hot water system can be fitted quickly with minimal downtime. We also provide Easy Payment Plans to spread the initial expense. With terms ranging from 1 to 3 years and fortnightly payments following a small deposit, your repayments can be similar to the savings you’ll see on your electricity bills.