Does Solar Hot Water Stay Hot Overnight?

In the ever-growing quest to live more cost-effective, energy-conscious, and environmentally sustainable lives, solar hot water installation is certainly one way to tick all three boxes. But does solar hot water stay hot overnight?

With a well-designed and manufactured system, complete with proper storage tank insulation and sufficient backup system measures in place, the answer is yes!

The right solar system setup, complete with a gas booster backup, can help save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Let’s find out how.

How Solar Hot Water Systems Work

Before we look further into the question “does solar hot water stay hot overnight?”, it pays to first get a bit of context and understand how a solar water heater works.

As its name suggests, solar hot water systems heat water using energy from the sun. It’s a highly effective way to minimise your sole dependence on more familiar methods of heating like gas or electricity. In fact, you can get up to 90% of your hot water from a solar-powered system, according to the Australian Government’s YourHome website.

The system uses one of two types of solar hot water collectors – either flat plate systems or evacuated tubes – to draw in the sun’s heat. It then uses a heat transfer fluid or direct circulation to transfer the heat to a water storage tank, which holds the water for future use.

But what happens in winter, or on days when the sun isn’t out? Good question. In these situations, your solar water heater will still work, but you can prop it up with a gas booster so you can enjoy a constant and uninterrupted hot water supply.

The Pros and Cons of Solar Hot Water Systems

As we will explore, a solar hot water system boasts many benefits. However, like many major household appliances, it might not be right for everyone. Therefore, it’s well worth weighing up both sides of the coin before you make your final decision. They include:

The Pros

• Lower energy bills – Reduced need for gas or electricity to heat your water will cut down your power bills.
• Reduced carbon footprint – Solar water heating reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Long-term savings – With proper and consistent servicing and maintenance, a solar hot water heater can last up to 25 years.
• Hot water on demand – A gas booster will give you constant hot water, even in cold climate regions or wintry periods with minimal sun.

The Cons

• Higher upfront cost – A solar water heater costs more to purchase and install than traditional hot water systems.
• Weather dependent – Cloudy days will reduce efficiency, so you’ll need an electric or gas-powered booster to help it along.
• Space required – Solar collector panels need roof space with good sun exposure.
• Maintenance – Your system will need regular servicing to keep solar hot water panels clean and maintain water quality.

Despite the initial cost, the long-term benefits of solar water heaters make them a smart investment in energy savings and environmental sustainability.

Will a Solar Hot Water System Keep Water Hot Overnight?

With this information under our belts, we can now come back to the question “does solar hot water stay hot overnight?”. We gave the short answer in the introduction; now for the more detailed version.

A well-designed solar hot water system with proper storage tank insulation and effective heat retention will keep water hot overnight. In the daytime, the solar collector panels absorb the sun’s heat and warm the water tank for later use. A high-quality water storage tank will keep heat loss to a minimum, so you’ll have hot showers even hours after sunset. And in cold climates or during the winter, the gas booster will kick in when the solar energy isn’t enough.

Investing in a solar hot water heater will give you long-term benefits, from cost savings to positive environmental impacts, and will even provide you with a steady supply from night until morning.

Things That Affect Heat Retention

We’ve already looked at the question “Does solar hot water stay hot overnight?” and discovered the answer is yes. But it’s also worth looking at the question “How does solar hot water stay hot overnight?”

Several factors will determine how effectively a solar hot water system keeps its heat once the sun has set. Those key factors include:

• Storage tank insulation – High-quality insulation in the hot water tank will prevent heat loss, so the heated water will stay warm for longer.
• Tank location – A roof-mounted tank will lose heat faster in cold air, while an indoor or sheltered placement will improve retention.
• Hot water usage – Frequent use will deplete the stored warm water and force the gas booster to kick in.
• Poor water quality – Bad water can affect the performance of the system’s heat exchanger.
• Gas booster efficiency – A well-serviced gas water heater means constant hot water when solar energy isn’t enough.

These combined factors will determine just how long a solar heater can keep water hot overnight.

How Gas Boosters Work in Solar Hot Water Systems

A gas booster ensures that your solar hot water system will provide your home with running hot water even when the sun’s energy isn’t enough to provide essential warmth.

On cloudy days or days that require higher hot water use, the gas water heater booster kicks in to heat water to the required temperature. It’s a particularly useful backup system for colder climate regions where solar collector panels may not capture enough solar thermal energy. Unlike traditional hot water systems solely powered by gas, a solar hot water heater with a gas booster only uses gas when necessary.

By combining solar power with gas, you can have hot showers all year round while decreasing your reliance on fossil fuels, your carbon footprint and your energy bills.

Maintaining Your Solar Water Heater System

Regular maintenance keeps your solar hot water system running efficiently, giving you constant hot water and lower energy bills.

Over time, solar collector panels can accumulate dirt, effectively reducing their ability to absorb the sun’s rays. Cleaning the solar panels and checking for damage improves water heating performance. Check the storage tank for leaks and ensure the heat exchangers are working correctly to prevent heat loss. If your system has a gas booster, regular professional servicing for the gas water heater element will maintain efficiency.

Book in with a licensed gas fitter for regular servicing to extend the life of your solar hot water heater and save money on running costs.

Enjoy Piping Hot Water Day and Night

With efficient, effective storage tank insulation and equally effective backup heating from a gas booster, a well-designed solar hot water system can provide hot water long after the sun sets. Proper installation and consistent maintenance ensure your solar water heater keeps heat loss to a minimum and heated water to a maximum.

Many factors will determine how long the hot water tank retains heat, but a well-maintained system will provide year-round reliability. Choosing solar water heating means you will reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint.

By investing in professional servicing and a licensed gas fitter, you will keep your solar hot water heater running efficiently and save money with constant hot water.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Does Solar Hot Water Stay Hot Overnight?”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.