Pricing Extras, Solar on Roof to Heat Pump
You have a solar hot water system all on the roof. Now is the time to consider something better!
Going a heat pump all at ground level can be a wise decision. Why?
- Heat Pumps are similar in efficiency to roof solar and still attract a Government Rebate
- Removing Solar Hot Water frees up space for Solar Power Generation!
- Removing Solar Hot Water takes ~ half a tonne of weight off your roof!
- Heat Pumps work better than any other hot water system when combined with Solar Power Generation
- No boosting needed in winter!
The other big issue with solars we are encountering is finding plumbers wanting to work on roofs. It’s getting harder and harder. Plus they need specialist hardware to get the solar off the roof to ground level.
Our quotes cover a system price with valves and then separately a standard install cost replacing a gas or electric system in the same spot. In addition, these extra costs will apply when going from tank on roof solar to a heat pump:
Plumbing
Plumbing to decommission a solar, install the heat pump where the ground valves are on level hard ground and turn these fittings into the new cold and hot line.
If you have another location in mind no problem, please supply more information so we can estimate the cost of these works.
Please send a picture of the proposed location, like this…
Electrics, Dedicated Circuit
- You likely already have a dedicated circuit for the old solar. But you will need a new breaker, isolator at the new heat pump location and wiring in-between.
- Pricing estimate is based on single storey double brick home.
- If you have a gas continuous flow booster at ground level then you may not need a sparky.
Solar Removal is Optional. Pricing from $330.
It can be left on roof or done at a later stage (in better weather!)
When installing your new heat pump, YES, the solar can be left on the roof drained / decommissioned.
Removal can be done if and when weather conditions are favourable, at minimum, it requires a truck with a small crane on with ~8m reach plus a 2 man crew. These old tanks, with all the sediment in the bottom can weigh in excess of 150kg. If they are not easily accessed from the driveway then they need to be moved closer. Not an easy task noting their weight. If a tile roof make sure you have spare tiles! That all said, if this can be achieved with the 2 man ‘hiab’ crew safely, then this is $330 extra.
Further extra costs can be expected if:
- you have a frame under the solar hot water system
- the solar hot water system is surrounded by solar power panels
- the tank is too heavy to move or right at the back of the house
you are concerned about your roof being damaged because 2 guys will struggle to move the tank close to where the crane can reach. - the tiles are brittle
- it’s a double storey
- it’s a roof pitch above 25 degrees
In most of the above scenarios, we can arrange a crane contractor with reach upto 25m long to lift the solar off from its current location.
If your install is urgent, and its winter, we strongly recommend leaving the solar removal for summer. The team can confirm the removal cost whilst they are installing your new heat pump.
