As the use of Solar Panel energy is now subsidised to the tune of $8000.00 by the Federal Government, many householders may wonder what electrical central heating system is preferable tocombine this with. We all know, providing winter comfort consumes a significant part of the household budget and diligent foresight is a must if you are to minimise these financial pressures.

According to CBS Radiant Heating Systems , the prudent customer considering solar power will be seeking to get credits for excess power generated during summer. These credits can be then going towards their heating cost in winter when their consumption is well in excess of their solar supply. Consumers in outback areas where grid power is limited or not available will have alternative means of generation and possibly battery banks to store energy.

When considering solar power generation to subsidise your grid supply, be aware that the lower the total loading the central heating system has, the further your credits will go, resulting in lower annual power bills.

General criteria for consideration:

In-Slab Cable heating system (Off Peak Power)
Requires wattage density rate of 160w/m2 e.g. 200m2 requires 32,000 watts (32.0 Kw)
Please Note: This system is operated using “Off Peak Rate Tariff” available 2100 hrs.- 0700 hrs.

Under Tile/Carpet heating system for Living Areas*
requires 130w/m2 e.g. 200m2 requires 26,000 watts (26.0 Kw)
*Please Note: This is a “Demand System” operated using a “Flat Rate Tariff”

Bathroom U/Tile* Heating System
Requires 160-180wm2

In Ceiling Thin Heating foils+
Requires 55-75w/m2 e.g. 200m2 requires 15,000 watts (15.0 Kw)

In Ceiling Thin Heating foils+
100w/m2 may be required for 4.5m Ceiling Height.
+Please Note: This is a “Demand System” operated; using a “Flat Rate Tariff”.Loadings for In Ceiling Heating must be calculated using a “Steady State Heat Loss Analysis”.


Duty Cycle: Is the term applied to when a system is drawing current compared to when it is off. This phenomenon is created by the thermostat controlling the temperature so, the lower the duty cycle, the lower the energy demand resulting in lower running cost. Generally, floor systems operate on aduty cycle of 30% to 35% and many ceiling heating systems have duty cycles of approx.25% although21% is quite achievable. Figures can vary considerably depending on the running program and temperature setting.