Replace Solar Hot Water with Heat Pump in Airport West, VIC
If your solar hot water system in Airport West is ageing or underperforming, a heat pump is the modern replacement. Solar hot water panels typically last 15-20 years and require roof maintenance. Heat pumps sit at ground level, deliver consistent performance rain or shine, and qualify for the same rebates.
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Solar Hot Water | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Annual running cost | $150 - $400/yr | $200 - $400/yr |
| Roof panels required | Yes (2-4 panels) | No |
| Performance on cloudy days | Reduced | Consistent |
| Typical lifespan | 15 - 20 years | 15+ years |
| Maintenance | Roof panel cleaning, valve checks | Minimal (ground level) |
| Installation cost (after rebates) | - | $2,200 - $4,200 |
Why Switch from Solar to Heat Pump?
Solar hot water was a great technology in its time, but modern heat pumps offer several advantages for Airport West homeowners:
- No roof panels to maintain, clean, or replace
- Consistent hot water in cloudy, rainy, and winter conditions
- Frees up roof space for solar PV panels
- Simpler ground-level installation with no risk of roof leaks
- Eligible for the same government rebates
How to Switch from Solar Hot Water to Heat Pump in Airport West
Get a site assessment
A licensed installer visits your Airport West home to assess your existing solar hot water system, roof panels, and ground-level space for the heat pump.
Choose your heat pump system
Select a heat pump that matches your household size. Unlike solar hot water, heat pumps sit at ground level and do not need roof access or solar collectors.
Remove solar panels and install heat pump
The old solar collectors are removed from your roof and the storage tank is replaced. The heat pump unit is installed at ground level, freeing up roof space for solar PV if desired.
Claim rebates and enjoy hassle-free hot water
STCs and state rebates reduce your upfront cost. You now have reliable hot water without worrying about cloudy days, roof leaks, or panel maintenance.
Rebates Available in Airport West, VIC
The same rebates apply whether you are replacing a solar system or any other type. All heat pump installations in Victoria qualify for these incentives.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Applied as a point-of-sale discount by your installer. Value varies by system type and climate zone.
Solar Victoria Hot Water Rebate
Victorian owner-occupiers: 50% of the purchase price up to $1,000, or up to $1,400 for an eligible locally made system. Combined household taxable income under $150,000 (reduced from $210,000 on 1 July 2026), property value under $3 million, replacing a system at least 3 years old, using a Solar Victoria registered installer. Stacks with the VEU discount and federal STCs.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Certificates
All Victorian households. A variable point-of-sale discount funded by energy-saving certificates (VEECs), currently up to around $630 depending on the certificate price. Stacks with the Solar Victoria rebate.
What happens to my old solar hot water system?
Your installer removes the rooftop solar collectors and the ground-level storage tank. The roof penetrations from the old solar panels are sealed and made waterproof. Many homeowners use the freed-up roof space to install solar PV panels, further reducing electricity costs and powering their new heat pump with free solar energy.
Replacing a Different System?
What's your postcode?
See costs and rebates for your area