Already have solar panels installed? Or thinking about making the switch and wondering if you can use that free energy to power your hot water system? The short answer: yes, you can.
Using solar-generated electricity for hot water is not only possible, but it can cut your energy bills. This is because you’ll rely less on the grid, making the most of your solar investment. You have the option of installing a dedicated solar hot water system or connecting your existing electric unit to solar power.
In this article, we’ll break down your best options, as well as how you can maximise efficiency and start saving today.
First, let’s assume you already have a solar system set up—how can you use it to power your hot water? Well, that depends on which kind of hot water system you have.
If you have an electric storage tank, you can optimise its heating schedule to align with peak solar generation hours. Some modern electric systems come with a timer or smart controller or you can add a smart timer to ensure your system heats water when your panels are producing the most energy (most sun). As a result, this reduces reliance on grid electricity.
Heat pumps are already highly efficient on their own but pairing them with solar can maximise energy savings. While a standard electric storage tank can work well with solar, heat pumps can reduce energy consumption even further.
Gas hot water systems don’t benefit from solar power. So, if you’re keen to make the most of your solar setup and reduce your energy bills, it might be time to consider switching to a modern electric system.
Let’s explore this further.
We’re noticing a trend of homeowners and businesses switching from gas to electric. With rising gas prices and lower solar feed-in tariffs, it makes sense that more homeowners are replacing their hot water systems. Moreover, using an electric storage or heat pump system means you’re maximising your solar power, reducing reliance on the grid and cutting energy costs.
If hot water is the only thing you use gas for, it might make sense to go fully electric and eliminate your gas bill. However, upfront costs and the cheapest hot water systems to run should be factored in—especially if your home isn’t already set up for an electric hot water system. You should also factor in the long-term benefits, including the system eventually paying for itself.
As discussed, the two main options for when choosing a hot water system for a solar-powered home, are electric storage and heat pumps. While electric storage tanks are simpler and cheaper upfront, they use more energy.
Heat pumps are more expensive initially but extremely energy-efficient—and if powered by your solar PV system, they can help drastically reduce electricity bills. As a result, the long-term savings often outweigh the higher purchase price. Moreover, government rebates and incentives can help offset costs, making a heat pump an even more attractive option.
A solar hot water system is different from a solar PV system. Instead of generating electricity, it uses solar thermal collectors to heat water directly. While they work well in sunny areas, they often need a gas or electric booster on cloudy days.
All are great options, but it depends on your home’s setup and energy goals.
To choose the right solar system size, factor in your household’s energy usage, available roof space, amount of sun, and any future power needs. Here’s a size guide to give you an idea.
As a general rule, a typical solar hot water panel is 2 square meters and supplies 150 litres. Based on this:
Keep in mind that adding battery storage can further improve efficiency. This allows you to store heat during the day to heat water at night instead of drawing from the grid. If you happen to run out of stored heat, your system will automatically switch you back over to the grid. This setup maximises self-sufficiency while reducing reliance on peak electricity rates.
If you are serious about using solar power to heat your water, then one of the best investments you can make is a PV diverter. This smart device redirects surplus solar energy to heat your water instead of exporting it to the grid. As a result, it helps reduce reliance on grid electricity and minimises feed-in tariffs.
What’s best is it is a set-and-forget—once installed, it automatically detects excess solar energy and redirects it to heat your water without requiring manual adjustments or timers.
While investing in a PV diverter can lead to long-term energy savings, the cost should be weighed against a more affordable alternative—using a timer on an electric storage system to heat water during peak solar production hours. If you’re unsure, the best thing you can do is consult a qualified solar hot water system installer.
While the best solar-powered hot water setup depends on your budget, energy usage, and home system, we suggest looking at two options:
Whichever you choose, the best way to future-proof your hot water against rising energy costs is to invest in battery storage so you can use that sun when you need it most—during cold winter nights and mornings.
The best thing you can do is speak to an expert solar hot water system provider. We can assess your current setup or advise on a new system altogether for the best solution for your home. Visit Same Day Hot Water Service to book a consultation or installation today!
You can connect your solar panels to your hot water system, either through a dedicated solar water heater system or by using a solar PV diverter.
You can heat hot water off solar, especially with electric storage systems or heat pumps that are compatible with solar power.
Most appliances can be powered by solar, provided your system is large enough. However, high-energy appliances like air conditioners or ovens may require a larger solar setup or grid backup during high demand.
The number of solar panels required to run a water pump depends on the pump’s power requirements and the efficiency of your solar setup, but typically, a few panels can suffice for small hot water tanks.