Choosing between a heat pump, solar hot water, and gas comes down to your home, your roof, and your bills. We install both heat pumps and solar hot water across Perth; here’s the honest comparison we give our own customers.
Key Takeaways:
- A heat pump typical estimate costs $116 to $455 a year to run in Perth, against $1,200 to $1,700 for electric storage and $500 to $900 for gas.
- Heat pumps and solar hot water both earn STC discounts; gas and electric storage don’t.
- If you have solar panels, a heat pump usually wins on total value.
- Solar hot water still suits clear north-facing roofs with high daytime hot water use.
Which Hot Water System Is Cheapest to Run in Perth?
A heat pump is the cheapest of the three to run for most Perth homes, at $116 to $455 a year depending on your tariff, compared with $500 to $900 for gas storage (Ecoheat Energy, 2026). It returns three to five units of heat per unit of electricity.
System | Typical yearly running cost (Perth) | STC rebate | Suits |
Heat pump | $116 to $455 | Yes | Most Perth homes, especially with solar panels |
Solar hot water | Low, plus boosting on cloudy stretches | Yes | Clear north-facing roofs, daytime hot water use |
Gas storage | $500 to $900 | No | Homes staying on gas short term |
Electric storage | $1,200 to $1,700 | No | Nobody, long term |
The gap widens on Synergy’s Midday Saver plan, where power costs 8.85 cents per kWh between 9 am and 3 pm (Synergy, 2026). We break the numbers down in our guide to heat pump running costs in Perth.
What Rebates Can You Actually Get?
Heat pumps and solar hot water both qualify for small-scale technology certificates under the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which covers solar water heaters and air-sourced heat pumps (Clean Energy Regulator).
That’s typically worth $800 to $1,200 off a heat pump upfront; gas and electric storage get nothing. Most Perth homeowners qualify, and we handle the paperwork; full details in our guide to heat pump hot water rebates in WA.
When Does Solar Hot Water Still Make Sense?
Solar hot water earns its keep on a clear, unshaded north-facing roof with most hot water used during the day. The Apricus evacuated tube system we install carries a 15-year collector warranty and keeps performing in cloudy conditions (Apricus).
The trade-off is booster running costs through grey winter stretches; see why many WA homeowners now pick heat pumps over solar hot water for the full picture.
When Is Gas the Right Call?
Rarely, for a new installation. Gas running costs sit between heat pumps and electric storage, and there’s no rebate. It can still suit a like-for-like swap when a gas system fails, and the budget is tight.
Even then, after STCs, a Reclaim heat pump often lands closer to a gas replacement than people expect, then saves every quarter after.
Our Honest Take for Most Perth Homes
If you have solar panels, or plan to get them, a heat pump is the strongest fit. It runs on your excess daytime solar, earns STCs, and needs no roof space. We install both the Reclaim and the Apricus hot water heat pump, so we’ll match the unit to your household size and space. Choose solar hot water if your roof is ideal. Keep gas only as a stopgap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do heat pumps work in Perth winters?
Yes. Perth’s winter minimums average around 8 degrees, well within operating range, so a quality heat pump keeps its efficiency year-round here.
Can I run a heat pump on my solar panels?
Yes, and it’s the ideal pairing. Run it through the middle of the day and it heats your tank on solar power you’d otherwise export for little return.
How long do these systems last?
The warranties tell the story: 10 years on the Reclaim heat pump tank and compressor, and 15 years on Apricus solar collectors.
Talk It Through With Us
Every home’s different, and we quote what suits yours, not what’s easiest to sell. Compare the Reclaim heat pump and Apricus solar hot water system, or get in touch for a straight answer and a written quote.
