Are you keen to fine-tune your residential solar power system and trim down your energy bills even further? It’s time to explore the perks of hot water system timers and find out if it’s right for you. In this guide, we’ll delve into how timers for hot water systems can help you make the most of the energy your solar power system produces and help you pocket more savings on your energy bills.
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What are hot water system timers?
Hot water system timers let you dictate when your hot water system springs into action and when it turns off. If you don’t have a timer attached to your hot water system, your system will heat continuously throughout the day and night. This isn’t necessarily a problem but it does mean your system will heat during peak electricity hours, which will ultimately cost you more.
Hot water system timers work best in homes with small hot water systems or large solar power systems. This is because, as Fallon Solutions points out, the solar power system will only begin to power the hot water system once it generates enough electricity to meet the element power requirements.
For example, a hot water heater with a 1.8kW element only needs the solar system to generate 1.8kW for heating to start. A hot water system with a larger element requires more solar power and therefore a larger solar system unit to meet its energy requirements.
A 9.5KW solar power system will typically be able to heat a 1.8KW element long enough to provide hot water for your household for the day, providing there is enough sunlight exposure during daylight hours.
Many new hot water systems come with built-in timers, meaning you may simply need to check your timer is set to the optimum time period for peak solar power production. If you have an older hot water system and are looking to add a timer to it, have a qualified electrician install the timer on your switch board as heat pumps have their own hard-wired electrical circuit and should be handled by a professional.
How do hot water system timers work with solar power?
For those who have solar power at home, a hot water timer is an excellent way to make the most of the energy your solar panels produce. A timer can be set to turn on during hours when solar power production is expected to be at its highest, so you can maximise energy efficiency in your home.
In Australia, solar power production is typically highest between the hours of 10am and 3pm, making it the ideal time for your hot water system to be heating. By utilising these peak solar power production hours, you’re making the most of the energy generated by your solar system and also taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates so you can reduce your overall energy expenses.
Benefits of using a timer for your hot water system
Increased energy efficiency
Installing a hot water system timer enables you to get more from your solar power. By utilising peak solar energy production times (typically during the middle of the day) and setting your hot water system to heat during this time, you limit your overall energy usage, create a more energy-efficient home and reduce your carbon footprint.
Using your solar system to heat your water during the middle of day, when most people are at work or school, means you’re utilising energy that might otherwise be sent back to the grid.
As an added bonus, using a timer allows you to be strategic about the amount of solar energy you use to heat your hot water system and helps you slash your dependence on grid electricity, which ultimately reduces the cost of your power bill.
Cost savings
If your hot water system is heating continuously day and night, you’re paying for it day and night too. A hot water system timer can lead to cost savings on your energy bill, as you’ll be using less grid electricity and making better use of your solar power system.
A hot water system timer can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 (when comparing different brands across multiple websites), plus the callout fee for the electrician to install the timer. There are many different types of timers available. You’ll be able to choose between a digital or a manual timer. Both allow you to set the heating time for your hot water system and change the timer settings as needed.
Typically, one version isn’t better than the other. It’s up to your personal preference whether you choose a digital or manual timer.
Compare solar plans and prices
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Installing a solar hot water system timer
Professional installation
It’s important to hire a qualified electrician to install a hot water system timer. They will ensure it’s executed safely and accurately and will also set the timer for you.
Most timers will be set to operate between 10am and 3pm when solar energy production is at its highest. However, your electrician may recommend extending the operating hours depending on the season and on how many people live in your household.
Typically, a household of four people will need four hours of hot water heating time during the day. For every extra person in your household, it’s recommended you add an hour of heating time throughout the day.
Choosing the right timer
Your electrician or hot water system installer can steer you towards the best type of timer for your specific hot water system and energy usage patterns, ensuring peak performance and efficiency.
There is an array of hot water system timers available, namely manual and digital models. Some timers are equipped with features like multiple programing options, override functions, and battery backup to guarantee reliability and user-friendliness.
Key points to consider when choosing a hot water system timer:
- Budget
- Digital or manual timer
- Programing options
- Solar system size
- Household size
Other hot water heating options
While a hot water system timer is a great way to manage costs and energy consumption, it’s not the only way to improve efficiency when it comes to heating water at home.
Heat pump
A heat pump with storage is an incredibly energy-efficient way to heat your water. They operate similar to air conditioners and require much less energy to operate. Solar Analytics has a simple explanation for how they work: heat pumps “use refrigerants and compressors and utilise the heat of ambient air. As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed, they can provide multiple amounts of energy for heating water.” This enables them to produce up to five times more energy than regular hot water system heating.
Solar hot water diverter
A solar hot water diverter is an eclectic device that channels excess electricity from your rooftop solar system to your electric hot water cylinder. This means that your hot water system heats when your solar system is producing the most energy, regardless of the time of day.
Depending on your solar system size and your hot water usage, Solar Quotes says it’s possible for a diverter to heat all of your hot water using solar power. If your panels do not generate enough power to heat your hot water system when needed, the diverter will allow grid electricity to flow to the system.
Questions to consider before installing a timer
Integrating a hot water system timer into your solar-powered home can improve energy efficiency and slash your overall energy costs. By aligning your water heating needs with peak solar energy production and off-peak electricity tariffs, you can enjoy more benefits from your solar power system and savings on your energy bills.
However, there are important factors to consider, such as whether your existing solar system is large enough to support your hot water system element and how much it will cost you to purchase a timer and have it installed. Seek the advice of a qualified electrician to ensure you make the right choice for your home.
Have more solar questions? Visit Canstar Blue’s Solar Hub
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