Installing the Position for Your Solar Water Heater

Installing the Position for Your Solar Water Heater

In Australia, solar water heating systems face north for optimal performance. The orientation can be adjusted up to 45° north without significant loss of heating efficiency. A compass can be used for precise orientation.

For optimal performance, ensure the solar water heater is not shaded by any nearby trees or buildings, especially when the sun is low in the winter sky.

To achieve maximum efficiency, solar collectors should be positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal. This allows the solar panels to receive the maximum amount of sunlight per year. It is generally recommended that solar collectors be installed at an angle equal to the latitude of the sun. In Australia, this angle ranges from 17.5° to 53°, with Darwin in Hobart being the preferred angle. In some cases, this angle may be desirable to improve winter performance and reduce summer overheating.

In fact, many solar water heaters are installed at a high roof pitch because they are cheaper and often more aesthetically pleasing than solar collectors and roof flushing systems that use supports to achieve a higher angle. In Australia, the pitch of a roof is typically 20° to 30°, which tends to reduce winter performance. The advantages of existing homes generally outweigh the cost. In new homes, it is possible to design the roof area to accommodate the angle of the solar collectors.