Solar Explained

• Australian owned
• Built tough
• Superior efficiency
• Best advice
• Superior installation

When you choose EcoSmart, you can rest assured that our network of experienced installers are always on call to assist and should you ever need service, our friendly and helpful Australian based staff are ready to take your call.

Australian owned

When you choose an EcoSmart Solar Hot Water system, you’re choosing a system that’s been designed by Australians, for Australian conditions, by a company that has been manufacturing locally since 1915.

So whichever part of Australia you call home – even places with extreme cold – there’s an EcoSmart Solar Hot Water system that’s just right for you.

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Built tough

Our tanks have been pressure tested over 1 million times, four times the Government Standards requirements. In fact, we’re so confi dent our systems will never let you down, we offer a 7-year warranty on our Invincible™ systems, and a 10-year warranty on roof mounted systems.

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Superior efficiency

Your EcoSmart system will be constantly monitored for peak performance, thanks to our Hotlogic® processor. It checks the system over 1400 times a day to ensure hot water is being made available from the cheapest energy source. On cloudy or rainy days, it automatically engages the backup booster with either electricity or gas – so you don’t notice any difference, whatever the conditions.

And the really clever part is you don’t have to do a thing.

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Best advice

Your local EcoSmart expert has the experience and knowledge to inform you about the types of hot water systems available, and help you choose the right product for you.

Each solar system is different, and requires detailed knowledge and experience, which is why your EcoSmart solar hot water system will be installed by not just a plumber, but a trained EcoSmart Master Installer.

From the family of brands you can trust

EcoSmart is fully owned by GWA Group Limited, an Australian-owned business based in Brisbane. One of the largest suppliers to the housing industry, GWA is committed to developing environmentally sustainable solutions.

Caroma Smartfl ush™ toilets and Dorf® WETTM water efficient tapware are just two examples of products that can help you create an ecologically proactive home.

As the specialist solar arm of the GWA owned company, EcoSmart has over 90 years’ experience in the manufacture of hot water systems.

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Superior installation

The smarter Master Installer - don’t risk it with anyone else

At EcoSmart, we’re specialist solar hot water system suppliers and installers who pride ourselves on providing you with the right system and best installation service possible.

All EcoSmart Master Installers undergo the most extensive training programs in the country, so you can rest assured that you’ll get the highest quality installation the first time round!

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• Eliminate the biggest energy culprit
• Reduce your energy costs
• STC’s. They’re like money in the bank

Eliminate the biggest energy culprit

Did you know that a hot water heater alone, consumes a large proportion of domestic energy use and is one the biggest users of electricity? This makes it one of the most costly appliances to run in the home.

So why pay for this energy when you can have it free from the sun with an EcoSmart Solar Hot Water system.

The Federal Government is committed to helping Australian households switch to an environmental water heater, and is working with State and Territory Governments to phase out these energy guzzling water heaters after 2012. Generous government rebates are currently available towards the purchase of solar water heaters, but are subject to change at any time.

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Reduce your energy costs

Unlike electricity, the power of the sun is completely free so, when you switch to solar energy to heat your water, you naturally make a massive saving. Especially when you consider that electric hot water can account for a third of your home’s electricity costs.

You won’t just save money on your power bills, you’ll also do your bit to save the planet. By heating your water using the power of the sun, your home could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a third. So you benefit today, and everyone benefits in the long run.

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STCs. They’re like money in the bank.

The Clean Energy Regulator’s register of Solar Hot Water heaters lists EcoSmart’s Electric Boosted
systems as having one of the highest STCs when compared to similar systems - meaning more savings for you.

The graph below shows just how efficient EcoSmart products truly are.

Flags denote ultimate ownership only.

More efficient collectors may be available as an additional option from all manufacturers, including EcoSmart.
Solahart™ and the Solahart logo is a trademark of Solahart Industries Pty Ltd
Edwards™ and the Edwards logo are trademarks of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd
Rinnai™ and the Rinnai logo are trademarks of Rinnai Australia Pty Ltd.
Rheem™ and the Rheem logo are trademarks of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.

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Running a solar hot water system is environmentally friendly. The Greenhouse Effect is the most pressing ecological problem facing our planet. It's an issue that's particularly close to home as Australia is the world's worst polluter of greenhouse gas on a per capita basis.

One of the most cost effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to minimise our consumption of fossil fuel generated energy.

A clean, green energy source is solar and a solar hot water system is the perfect alternative for your hot water solution.

The figures speak for themselves. The average home using an electric hot water heater produces just under eight tonnes of greenhouse gas each year. A similar home using an EcoSmart™ system produces over 60% less!

Nothing is more Australian than sunshine, so it's no surprise that our climate is ideally suited to solar hot water. Melbourne, for example, has 15% more solar gain than sunny Barcelona in Spain, where solar hot water systems are widely used.

The environment your children and grandchildren inherit is in your hands.

An EcoSmart™ system is one of the greenest appliances your home will ever have... think of it as a small investment in the future of our planet.
Would you like to be mailed some brochures? Click here

Call your local EcoSmart™ office on 133 326 and ask for a free quotation.

CURRENT STC VALUE IS: $24.00

Depending on where you live in Australia and various other criteria, you may be eligible for a number of different government incentives and rebates that can greatly reduce the installation costs of a solar hot water system.

Not only does this make it an even more affordable option, it also means your solarised hot water system can pay for itself even quicker.

EcoSmart 315L / 3 panel Electric Boosted Solar Hot Water System in QLD - Zone 3 (Brisbane)

STCs - Small-scale Technology Certificates

As part of its environmental commitments, the Federal Government is offering rebates to individuals who produce energy from renewable sources or displace energy usage from non-renewable sources. Solar hot water systems are included in this program.

It works like this. The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) rates the energy saving of hot water systems by assigning Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Every STC is the equivalent of 1000 kilowatts of energy saved – so the higher the STCs value, the more energy your system saves, and the less money you’ll spend.

The EcoSmart range has one of the highest STC values on the market. And that means when you buy an EcoSmart Solar Hot water System, you’ll not only save money in the long run, you’ll make a big saving up front as each STC is also credited to you as a point of sale discount, the more STCs the bigger the discount.

Factors such as your location plus the model, tank volume and generating capacity of your solar hot water service will determine the full STC value.

For more information click on http://ret.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/

Click here to download a PDF of EcoSmart’s STCs application form.

STC Zones

For the purpose of STC assesment, Australia has been divided in to 4 solar zones as shown in the map below.

Locate your postcode below to find out the STC zone you fall into.

The table below shows the actual STCs awarded to EcoSmart Products.

Federal Government Rebates

As of the 28th of February 2012, the Federal Government Rebate of $1000 for solar hot water systems and $600 for heat pumps has ended. Customers can still claim the rebate provided systems are installed, ordered (and a deposit paid) or purchased on or before 28 February 2012. Applications lodged up to 30 June 2012 will continue to be processed. Applications received after 30 June 2012 will not be eligible.

For full details of the closure of the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme, click here.

The Federal Rebate Application form can be found by clicking here

State Government Rebates

Selected state governments within Australia also offer rebates to households installing solar hot water systems.

South Australia

The Government of South Australia’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme currently provides a rebate of up to $500 to offset the upfront costs of installing or retrofitting a compliant solar hot water system when purchased and installed within the state.

To be eligible for the rebate you must be an eligible applicant (as defined below) and commission an eligible installation (as defined below).

Eligible Applicants

To be eligible for a rebate, you must be a low-income owner-occupier. Specifically, you must be the owner or part owner of the dwelling you occupy as your principal place of residence, and hold at least one of the following cards on the day the water heater installation is completed:

• Centrelink Health Care Card
• Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card - Totally and Permanently Incapacitated
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card - War Widow
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs - Extreme Disablement Adjustment

Your principal place of residence is the primary dwelling you occupy to live, sleep and conduct daily life.

Note that some dwelling types are excluded. Rebates are limited to one per residence.

Eligible Installations

Eligible applicants who purchase a new solar hot water system or retrofit kit for domestic purposes and install it at their principal place of residence (on or after May 28 2001) are eligible for a rebate if their system fits into any of the following categories:

• A solar hot water system that replaces the use of an electric hot water system
• A gas boosted solar hot water system that replaces a gas hot water system
• A solar hot water system that is installed on a new home that does not have access to reticulated gas
• A gas boosted solar hot water system that is installed on a new home that does have access to reticulated gas
• A solar boosted heat pump system that replaces the use of an electric hot water system
• Where a solar retro-fit kit or pre-heating system is attached to an existing water heater, if the existing hot water system is covered by warranty for at least another three years

Western Australia

The Government of Western Australia’s Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme provides rebates of up $700 for the installation of environmentally friendly gas-boosted solar water heaters.

To be eligible for a rebate under this scheme, the following key eligibility criteria must be met.

• Rebates are available for new, two or more panel, gas-boosted solar water heaters that are accredited to Australian Standard AS2712
• Solar water heaters must be used for private residential purposes (excepting display homes and residential developments where special conditions apply)
• Solar water heaters must be purchased from suppliers recognised by the Sustainable Energy Development Office
• Rebates for installations in new homes must be pre-approved through a formal pre-approval process.
• Solar water heaters must be purchased and installed within the 12 months prior to a rebate application being received by the Sustainable Energy Development Office

Full details can be found at the Sustainable Energy Development Office’s Solar Water Heater Subsidy page.

New South Wales

As of 30th of June 2011, the NSW Government offer has ended and is now only available to installations completed and paid for prior to the 30th of June 2011.

Full details can be found at the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW Residential Rebate Program
page.

Victoria

The Government of Victoria’s Solar Hot Water Rebate program provides rebates from $450 up to $1500 for the installation of eligible solar hot water systems. These rebates are commonly called Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates or VEECs.

The amount of rebate is based on the size of a system (amount of water produced) and performance (its solar contribution). Better performing systems, or ones that make the most effective use of the sun’s energy, attract a higher rebate.

Generally speaking, the Solar Hot Water Rebate program provides rebates for installations in Victoria that:

• Replace a natural gas or LPG water heater with a gas-boosted solar system;
• Replace a wood or oil fired hot water system with a solar gas system; and
• Replace an electric hot water system where the Federal $1600 rebate has been approved for installation of insulation in your home

EcoSmart's current VEEC market value is $18.00. Please contact your local Victorian dealer for how much you are entitled to.

Full details can be found at Sustainability Victoria’s Solar Hot Water Rebate page and Application forms for State Rebates.

Click here to download a PDF of the EcoSmart VEEC form.

Queensland

The QLD Government is now offering a rebate of $600 (or $1000 for qualifying low income earners) when replacing an electric storage water heater with a heat pump or solar water heater. The main eligibility criteria are as follows;

Key Eligibility Criteria - $600 rebate

• The new system must have been purchased on or after 13th April 2010 (please note that payments will not commence until 1st July 2010)
• Be a solar or heat pump hot water system eligible for at least 20 Renewable Energy Certificates (STCS)
• Replace an existing electric storage hot water system in a principle place of residence
• Be installed by licensed parties (current BSA and occupational licenses)

Key Eligibility Criteria – Low Income earner $1000 rebate

To qualify for the $1000, the applicant must meet all of the $600 rebate eligibility conditions, as well as hold one of the pension cards listed below (must be a current and valid card);

• Centrelink Pension Concession card
• Centrelink Low-Income Heath Care card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pension Concession card (Blue only. Orange, white and gold cardholders are not eligible.)

This low income earner/pensioner rebate can only be applied for once. Please also note that the $600 rebate and $1000 rebate cannot both be claimed for the same installation.

Submitting an application form does not guarantee eligibility. Upon receipt of a completed rebate application form, the QLD Government will assess the application against the eligibility criteria before making any payment. The QLD Government may also request further information from the applicant before the rebate is paid.

All payments will commence from July 1 2010, and are available in addition to the Federal Government Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme rebate ($1000 solar, $600 heat pump) and the Renewable Energy Certificate (STC) incentive, both of which are detailed on this website.

For details can be found on the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Office of Clean Energy.

Northern Territory, ACT and Tasmania

No additional rebates are currently available in these states.

Often we’re asked the question ‘I need a new hot water service today, can I go solar?’ The simple answer is yes!

More than a luxury, hot water is an essential part of most of our daily lives. When your existing hot water system expires, needs replacement, or you simply want to upgrade to a solar powered hot water system, EcoSmart can make sure you have hot running water within 24 hours.

Although people are more knowledgeable about solar hot water systems than ever, there are still some questions we’re asked all the time. We’ve provided a brief answer to most of these below. Naturally, you can also get answers to your questions and more information by contacting your nearest EcoSmart dealer on 133 326 or using our on-line contact form.

• How does a solar water heater work?
• Will I run out of hot water?
• How much can I save?
• What about rebates?
• Can you make solar hot water even more affordable?
• My hot water system just blew up, can I get a new solar hot water service today?
• What about cloudy days, does solar still work?
• Do I have to have the tank on my roof?

How does a solar water heater work?

There are different types of solar water heaters available, but essentially they all work by converting light into heat. When sunlight strikes the darkened surface of the solar collector panel, the visible and ultraviolet light (short wavelength) is converted into infrared radiation (long wavelength) through heat exchange. The glass panel above the collector surface along with other insulated materials traps the heat generated in what is essentially a miniature greenhouse. This heat is what warms the water.

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Will I run out of hot water?

No. When you install the right unit with the capacity for your needs, you’ll always have hot water. In the case of unexpected heavy usage or periods of low solar gain, the booster will kick in to heat water.

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How much can I save?

From an environmental perspective, you could help save the planet! Solar hot water systems produce the lowest greenhouse emissions and pollutant levels of any type of water heater. On average, swapping from to solar hot water will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by 3 – 5 tonnes every year!

Economically, this will depend on where you live, water usage, the system you’re replacing, energy tariffs and the model you choose. The Federal Government estimates the average household will save approximately $300 per year on energy bills. Add eligible rebates and STCs to that and you can save money upfront as well.

Whichever way you look at it, your solar hot water system will recoup its installation costs during its service life.

Interestingly, nearly half of the respondents to a recent survey of homebuyers on realestate.com.au stated that solar heating and solar hot water enhance the value of a property.

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What about rebates?

Yes, you can save even more. This site has a comprehensive rebates and incentives section on what rebates you may be eligible for when you install a solar hot water system including STCs.

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Can you make solar hot water even more affordable?

EcoSmart have made it easy to buy a solar hot water system with Easypay. A 24 month no interest ever repayment plan to approved purchasers.

Simply call your nearest EcoSmart dealer on 133 326 for more details.

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My hot water system just blew up, can I get a new solar hot water service today?

Yes! EcoSmart can make sure you have hot running water within 24 hours.

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What about cloudy days, does solar still work?

Even on a cloudy day, the solar panels of your hot water system will still convert light into heat. On very cold and cloudy days or after extended poor weather, the gas or electric booster will automatically kick in, meaning you will always have hot water.

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Do I have to have the tank on my roof?

Not necessarily. Most EcoSmart units are designed with the storage tank separate from the solar panels so your collector panel and storage tank can be in two different locations. Discreet and practical and you won’t need to strengthen the roof.

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