Solar vs Heat Pump Water Heaters

However there is a reason why many hotels, country clubs and residences in Singapore are using heat pump water heaters over solar heaters and it has everything to do with our climate. Heat pumps have a higher efficiency than solar heaters in Singapore.

Compared to conventional storage heaters which are powered by pure electricity, heat pumps and solar primarily use renewable energy such as free heat in the air or sunlight. On clear sunny days, the performance of solar heaters could be higher than that of heat pumps. But there are few such days in Singapore.

Our tropical climate, cloudy skies and frequent rains cause solar water heaters to draw against their 3000 watt backup heating elements often, effectively transforming them into high power consuming 150 lit electric heaters. More on sizing for solar heaters: ‘Why are solar heaters so large?’

Initial cost

This is the cost of a suitable heat pump or solar heater for a family of four:

• 60 lit heat pump – $2800+ ROI 4 years
• 150 lit solar – $5500+ ROI 8 years

More on sizing for solar heaters: ‘Why are solar heaters so large?’

Renewable systems get a lower rating here because the average initial price that a homeowner in Singapore pays for a normal water heater is around $300 to $500. Renewable energy water heaters are fitted with higher technology components, hence the price difference.

Running cost and Return on Investment (ROI)
Although the initial cost is high, the running cost is incredibly low. You can expect to breakeven on your 4th year for heat pumps. Solar water heaters cost more so we estimate around 8 years to fully recoup your costs. The lower ROI for heat pumps also makes it more popular in Singapore.

Ease of Installation

Solar heaters must be installed on the roof of a building, preferably on a south-facing wall. The roof of the house should be tall enough without obstruction from sunlight. Panels and tanks are separate and installation time is longer, around 6 hours.

Heat pumps are not limited to the roof and can be placed anywhere in the house. However, they cannot be situated in tightly enclosed areas as they need to absorb heat from the environment. Heat pumps come as a single unit with no separate components and installation is plug and play, approximately 3 hours.

Maintenance

Solar panels need to be professionally cleaned from the rooftop every 6 months or dust that settles on it will affect its efficiency.

Heat pumps are as hassle-free as regular electric water heaters, where there is no additional service required.

Summary

Heat pumps and solar heaters are both great renewable energy water heaters but they don’t perform the same way in different environments. In temperate climates like Europe and America, solar heaters can be quite popular, but in tropical climates where there is an abundant supply of heat all year round, heat pumps are the undisputed preferred choice.