A third of the average power bill is for hot water

Things to think through when buying solar hot water:

1. Rebates - up to $2500 is offered through state and federal schemes. The amount depends on the size of system  required, whether gas or electricity is providing a boost, whether the old system was gas or electric and whether the system is accredited by the Victorian Government.
2. Systems - flat panel systems were the first on the market, evacuated tubes are newer and claim to be more efficient.  They both receive a similar rebate. Heat pumps claim to be solar as they use the air temperature to heat coils that heat your water (kind of the opposite to the way a fridge works).  They receive a lower rebate and use a low, but constant amount of electricity.
   
3. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) - Each system is allocated a number of RECs depending on the amount of carbon pollution the system will save over it's lifetime. RECs are worth money, sometimes up to $1600 per system installed. If sold, they are used to offset pollution elsewhere, which does limit the environmental benefits of the system.
   
4. Home orientation and shade - the solar panels need a north facing roof with no shading to ensure direct sun all day.
   

Cost/payment options - There are many different options available:

• one company rents the system to the householder,
  
• one is a free system upfront with a credit card payment option at zero interest for the installation,
  
• The Bendigo Sustainability Group is organising a bulk buy

 Note: Solar PV and Solar Hot Water are different. PV turns light from the sun into electricity. Hot water panels capture heat from the sun and use it to heat water.