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 the Plumbing Regulations 2008 as part of the 6 Star Building Standard.
The Victorian Plumbing Regulations 2008 require the installation of a solar water heater or a rain water tank plumbed to a toilet, for new class 1 buildings. The solar water heater must meet minimum performance criteria and must be sized appropriately. In areas with gas reticulation, a solar water heater boosted with natural gas is required.
Changes to the Plumbing Regulations 2008
Solar water heater requirements in the Regulations were amended on 16 October 2012. These changes relate to "AS/NZS 4234: 2008 Heated water systems - Calculation of energy consumption"
What do these changes mean?
Currently, solar hot water systems must achieve a minimum energy performance of 60% energy saving 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".
From 19 April 2013, this will change to the new standard AS/NZS 4234:2008.
How do I know if a solar hot water system will be compliant from 19 April 2013?
See lists of electric and gas boosted solar water heaters:
- compliant until 18 April 2013 (AS4234:1994)
- compliant from 19 April 2013 (AS/NZS 4234:2008)
How can I get a system I manufacture/sell included on the new list (compliant from 19 April 2013)?
See listing your solar water heater.
Where can I get more information?
Full details about the regulation change are available on the Plumbing Industry Commission website.
Top | Last updated 14/02/2013