Saving power
Conventional electric water-heating systems contribute to around 40% of the power bill. Replacing electric water-heating with solar power means households use considerably less non-renewable fossil fuels.
On a typical New Zealand summer’s day, a solar water-heater can produce more then enough energy for an average four-person household. In winter, when there is less sunshine, solar water-heaters may need to be backed-up by minimal conventional energy.
In 2004, around 2% of New Zealand homes used a solar water-heater in 2004, and interest is growing rapidly.