SLA member and solar architect Mahalath Halperin gave a short power point presentation with information about the latest technology, and pointed out that for many households water heating is the biggest user of household energy.

“We were delighted that so many people came along to get information about what systems are available, and to have their questions answered,” said Patsy Asch, from SLA’s Energy Group.

“The meeting wasn’t intended to promote any particular system or tradesmen but to help people understand what is available, and the kind of questions to ask when approaching a plumber,” she said.

All the modern solar hot water systems are perfectly suitable for cold places like Armidale if properly installed. Occasionally plumbers from outside the region don’t realise how cold it gets and fail to follow the instructions in the handbooks about lagging all the pipes inside and outside of the roof cavity. The flatplate systems are less expensive but less efficient than the evacuated tubes so positioning them facing north at about 30-35 degree angle is important.

People were also informed about renewable energy certificates (RECs) and how they differ from rebates.

Plumbers usually install an automatic off-peak electric booster, however, an energy-saving alternative which is easy to install is to have a manual switch to boost the temperature only when required.

Local plumbers were present and were able to answer some of the technical questions, and several people who have had these systems for years made contributions.

SLA holds an open public meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at 7pm at Kent House, to explore responses to climate change and peak oil, particularly within the local Armidale community, and everyone is welcome.