Solar hot water heaters
The Victorian Government supports the installation of solar hot water heaters through the Victorian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Program and through the Plumbing Regulations as part of the new 5 Star Building Standard.
Plumbing Regulations require builders to install a solar water heater or a rain water tank on new homes. The solar water heater must meet performance criteria and must be sized appropriately. In areas with gas reticulation, a solar water heater boosted with natural gas or a solar water heater that does not incorporate booster heating is required.
Solar hot water systems must achieve a minimum energy performance of 60% solar gain as measured by the Australian Standard for solar hot water systems AS 4234-1994 "Solar water heaters - Domestic and heat pump - Calculation of energy consumption".
Compliant solar hot water systems
A list of electric and gas boosted solar water heaters which achieve the 60% performance in accordance with the standard is available.
If you wish to include a system in the list for rebate or regulations instructions, please read about listing a solar water heater.
Training is available for installers of solar water heaters through the Master Plumbers Green Plumbers Program.
Top | Last updated 24/10/2007
