Manufacturers of solar water heaters
Eligibility requirements for SWH models
A SWH may only be considered for listing in the Register of solar water heaters if it meets the following requirements. Different requirements apply to models depending on their storage capacity.
SWH models with storage capacity of 700 L or less
For models with a storage capacity of 700 L or less, an accredited body must have given the model product certification to Amendment number 1 of Australian and New Zealand Standard 2712-2002 as in force on 30 September 2005 (Also known as AS/NZS 2712:2002/Amdt 1:2005).
SWH models with storage capacity of more than 700 L
For models with a storage capacity of more than 700 L, an accredited body must have given the components that make up the solar water heater certification to the Australian Standard(s) relevant to that part of the solar water heater. The list of relevant standards can be found in clause 1.3 of Amendment number 1 of Australian and New Zealand Standard 2712-2002 and clause 1.3 of the original Australian and New Zealand Standard 2712-2002 documentation published on 27 August 2002.
For models with a storage capacity of more than 700 L the storage tank(s) of the model must also meet:
- the requirements set out in Australian Standard 1056 as in force on 10 January 2000 or 19 September 2005; or
- the requirements set out in Australian Standard 4692-2005 as in force on 27 September 2005; or
- the requirements set out in the document called Heat Loss Test Procedure for Solar Water Heaters with a Hot Water Storage Tank Greater than 630 L published by the Regulator on 29 May 2003.
See below for more information on Australian Standards and Accredited bodies who are able to provide certification to the relevant standards.
Process for including SWH models in the Register of solar water heaters
Solar water heater models are only eligible for the Renewable Energy Target (RET) if they are listed in the Register of solar water heaters. Manufacturers can request to have their SWH models added to the Register of solar heaters during the formal amendment period which is open for submissions approximately every 4 to 5 months. The process to amend the Register of solar water heaters typically takes 4 to 5 months to complete. The process for determining eligibility and applying for inclusion of your SWH model in the Register of solar water heaters is detailed below.
Please also refer to the latest version of the Application to include or modify solar water heater models in the Register of Solar Water Heaters which details the new requirements including a more detailed checklist outlining the specific requirements for application and auditing. If applications for version 8 and versions thereafter do not comply with the checklist they will not be included in the round.
1. Call for submissions
ORER opens a submission round to update the Register of solar water heaters by notifying the industry e-mail and by advertising on the ORER web site. The period for submissions to be lodged, is generally four weeks from the opening of the submission round.
You can be added to the e-mail notification list by emailing the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator with your name and contact details.
2. Preparing a submission
Applicants must complete and lodge:
- The application to include or modify solar water heater models in the Register of solar water heaters
- Part A and B : Contact Details and Declaration; and
- Part C : List of Solar Water Heater Models including providing an electronic copy of Part C; and
- A hard copy and electronic copy of their AS/NZS 2712:2002/Amdt 1:2005 licensing schedule issued by an accredited body that includes each of the models in the application. The model names used in Part C of the application form must be exactly the same as those listed in the AS/NZS 2712:2002/Amdt 1:2005 licensing schedule.
- Applicants must ensure that enough information is at hand to complete the relevant supplementary supporting technical detail form for all models listed in the application if requested by the ORER.
3. Close of submissions
The closing time for submissions is generally four weeks from the opening of the round. The ORER recommends submissions be made well before the closing date so that we may review your submission and suggest changes if necessary. Submissions received after the closing time will not be accepted for the advertised round.
4. Processing submissions
The ORER checks all models listed in Part C of the submission against the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2712:2002/Amdt 1:2005 licensing schedule. Models that are not correctly listed in the submission will not be accepted for the advertised round.
The ORER also audits selected models to ensure their REC entitlements have been calculated correctly. During the audit process, applicants are asked to submit supporting information such as test reports and TRNSYS DCK files. Models that have not had their REC entitlements correctly calculated will not be accepted for the advertised round. Applicants who are not able to provide the ORER with the requested documentation in the specified timeframe will have the effected models removed from the advertised round.
5. Finalising the list
Applicants are provided with a final opportunity to review the proposed list prior to publication to ensure that their models are properly listed.
6. Publishing the updated list of eligible SWHs
Once the requested updates to the Register of solar water heaters are finalised, the complied version of the Register of solar water heaters is uploaded on the ORER website at the Register of solar water heaters. Once the updated Register of solar water heaters has been published on the ORER website, RECs may be created for newly listed SWH models.
Methodology for calculating REC entitlements
Calculation of REC entitlements must be completed for each SWH model seeking inclusion in the Register of solar water heaters. The number of renewable energy certificates (RECs) a solar water heater or heat pump water heater model is eligible for is based on the estimated 10 year savings over a conventional electric water heater. To determine how much electricity your system is saving you will need to use the methodologies developed by the ORER based on the tank size of the model.
REC calculation methodologies are available for the following tank sizes:
- REC calculation methodology for solar water heaters and heat pump water heaters with a volumetric capacity up to and including 700 litres
- REC calculation methodology for solar water heaters and heat pump water heaters with a volumetric capacity over 700 litres
REC entitlements must only be calculated according to the approved ORER methodologies. The ORER will not accept calculations based on other methodologies.
Standards Australia
Standards Australia develop and maintain Australian and New Zealand Standards and related publications. For more information on current Australian Standards relating to solar water heater and heat pump water heater systems, and future amendments to the standards contact the Standards Australia on +61 2 8206 6000 or email contact@standards.org.au and direct queries to the Project Manager of the CS-028 Solar Water Heater and Heat Pump Water Heater Committee.
Accredited bodies
Certification to AS/NZS2712 must be provided by a body accredited under the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). Please contact JAS-ANZ on (02) 02 6232 2000 or Fax (02) 6262 7980, email admin@jas-anz.com.au or visit the web site, JAS-ANZ for information on:
- bodies currently accredited to certify products to AS2712:2002;
- how to become an accredited body; and
- the process of demonstrating that products meet Australian Standards.
Fact sheet
