Going solar pays off

Using the sun for heat can cut your hot water bills significantly and minimise impact on the environment.

Solar water heating systems absorb heat from the sun via solar panels on your roof and use it to heat your water. Your system can be supplemented by electricity, gas or heat from your woodburner on days there isn't enough sun.

Lower energy bills are likely to pay for the additional cost of a solar water heating system, particularly if you're building a new home.

The payback period also depends on:

• the amount of sun your roof gets
• how much you pay for energy
• the amount of hot water you use
• the current type of water heating you have
• the type of solar water heating system you install.

Apart from saving money on energy, you'll be doing your bit for the environment as solar energy doesn't produce greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.

If you're getting a solar water heating system installed, you may be eligible for government funding of up to $1,000.  Make sure you get a building consent - a new Building Code Compliance Document will make this easier.

Using the warmth of the sun to heat their water has slashed a Dunedin family's power bills by a third.

Lesley and her family of four have reported that their power bills have been about a third lower since the installation of a solar water heating system at Easter 2005.

The household relies totally on solar energy for water heating in the summer months. In cooler months, they use an electricity booster system for an hour a day. They found that even in the cold month of June, the temperature of the water on sunny days could get up to 60°C.

Installation of the solar water heater was "no hassle at all," says Lesley. "It has worked really well for us with ample hot water and lower power bills."