There are two main types of solar power systems available today. One is a solar power system that generates power whilst the other is a solar hot water system that generates hot water.
While they both share the same concept, collecting energy from the sun, the two technologies are noticeably different. A solar hot-water system functions by collecting the sun's heat and transferring it into water or fluid for your hot-water requirements. Solar power systems, on the other hand, use solar photovoltaic panels that turn energy from sunlight into electricity, supplying power to all of your electrical household appliances.
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How The Different Systems Compare:
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Residential Solar Hot Water System |
Residential Solar Power System |
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Investment |
There is an initial investment $4,000-$8,000. |
There is a higher initial investment of $6,000-$25,000. A larger system will cost you more but will reduce more of your power bill. |
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Subsidies |
The current Government ended subsidies as of 29/06/12 |
No government incentives are available. |
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Energy Loss & Storage |
Solar hot water is stored in your hot water cylinder. If you do not use the hot water within a certain amount of time then there will be energy loss. |
There is little energy loss as excess power is exported to the grid for credits or cash. If you wish to store solar power you can install batteries. |
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Installation |
Retrofitting a solar hot water system in comparison to installing a system into a new house is a similar cost. |
Installing a solar power system on a new home can be easier for the installers if you consider the needs for a solar power system when designing a new home. |
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Who Benefits |
The system benefits those who have high demand for hot water in their home. Larger families will get a great return on investment from a solar hot water system. |
Those who are able to use power during the middle of the day, either by turning appliances on when the sun is out or if appliances are on timers, will get the best use out of a solar power system. |
I have both installed from new in 2013. 6kw for water and 3.2kw for electricity.
Since the installation I have not had the need for electric heating of the water.
During high summer I export close to half my solar power generated.
Interestingly, I do get the impression that both import and export units are first added together and charged for, before I get my 8cts/unit payout on the exported power.