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Within the next ten years Gas/Solar Hot Water Systems are expected to comprise 90% of all Hot Water Systems sold in Australia.
In South Australia by installing solar hot water systems in homes, people not only reduce their personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions which are linked to climate change – but they also save money on energy costs in the long run.
 
Rebates
The SA Government offers a solar hotwater rebate of up to $700 dollars for the installation of solar panels
The Federal Government offers a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) scheme on hydro electric systems, photo voltaic electric systems and wind systems
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The annual average running cost of a gas-boosted system is just $58, compared to $391 a year for an electric system, with the householder recouping the additional cost of the system within about three years.
Up to 70% or more of energy requirements for heating water could be met through harnessing the sun’s energy.
Using a solar hot water system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in each household by about three tonnes per year - the equivalent to taking a small car off the road for a year.
 
Adelaide ’s inaugural thinker in residence, Herbert Girardet, in his report “Creating a Sustainable Adelaide”, called for households to adopt solar powered hot water systems.
The State Government has announced that to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and halt the impacts of climate change in South Australia it will: BAN electric storage hot water systems in new homes and for major renovations from July 1, 2006. Under a new performance standard all new homes or homes undergoing major renovations in areas where gas is available must have solar or gas powered, or heat pump hot water systems. This initiative would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in SA by about 6000 tonnes annually. Savings in energy costs in the long-run will more than offset any additional costs for the alternative systems.
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