As energy costs continue to rise, more Sunshine Coast homeowners are upgrading their hot water systems with a focus on efficiency and long-term savings.
The two most common alternatives to electric or gas storage are solar hot water and heat pump systems.

Both offer significant reductions in energy use, but they work in different ways and suit different homes.
In this post, we compare both systems and explain why heat pumps are gaining popularity across the Sunshine Coast.

What’s the Difference?

Solar Hot Water Systems
These use roof-mounted panels to absorb solar radiation. The heat is transferred to water in a storage tank, typically with a gas or electric booster for overcast days or high demand.

Heat Pump Systems
Heat pumps draw warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it into water using a refrigeration cycle. They require no solar panels and operate efficiently even in low-light or shaded areas.

Performance Comparison for Sunshine Coast Conditions

Performance Factor	Solar Hot Water	Heat Pump
Needs full sun	✓	✗
Works in shaded areas	✗	✓
Operates at night or early AM	✗	✓
Roof space required	✓	✗
Year-round consistency	Moderate	High
Integration with solar PV	Limited	Seamless

In the Sunshine Coast’s subtropical climate, heat pumps maintain efficiency all year and don’t rely on daily sunshine or roof orientation.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Solar systems need roof-mounted panels and may involve complex plumbing.
If your roof is shaded, steep, or built with fragile tiles, installation becomes more expensive or less effective. Tank placement also depends on where panels are located.

Heat pumps install at ground level and don’t rely on rooftop infrastructure.
Brands like Reclaim Energy and Rinnai offer integrated or split systems, which allow flexibility in placement and system design.

Which Hot Water System Saves More?

If you already have solar panels and want to use that energy more efficiently, a heat pump allows you to schedule hot water heating to align with peak solar generation. Instead of exporting excess electricity to the grid for a low feed-in rate, your heat pump can use it to heat water directly.

That increases solar self-consumption, which saves more long term. Heat pumps also operate well outside of daylight hours using off-peak electricity, which can further reduce costs.

Rebates for Sunshine Coast Homeowners

Both systems are eligible for STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates), but the value and eligibility vary by brand, size, and install location.

At Flaregas Plumbing, we install heat pumps that meet the rebate thresholds. We’ll also help you understand whether solar or heat pump options offer the best return in your home’s configuration.

Why Heat Pumps Are Gaining Ground

Heat pump systems are:

• Ideal for shaded, flat-roof, or north-facing homes
• Compatible with solar PV and batteries
• Consistent across all seasons and weather
• Easier and faster to install
• Eligible for government incentives

Many homeowners find that heat pumps offer a better balance of convenience, performance, and long-term savings especially when installed by a qualified, brand-specific plumber.

Flaregas Plumbing works across the Sunshine Coast installing hot water systems, gas fitting and all emergency plumbing work.
Get in touch or read more about the services we deliver: Want expert advice? Visit our Heat Pump Installation Page or read more about Reclaim Systems.