When your water heater breaks down, you need to make quick decisions. Even if you’ve been considering solar, in the heat of the moment, most people opt for a simple like-for-like replacement to get them back in hot water as soon as possible.
But, what if you could choose a replacement water heater that gave you the option to upgrade it to run on cost-efficient solar energy when you’re ready?
The Solahart Solar-Ready water heater is a dual-purpose electric water heater that can be installed as a simple replacement, and upgraded to solar whenever you choose, allowing you to quickly get back into a reliable supply of hot water. It comes with built-in solar connections, so it’s easy to switch to energy free from the sun in the future.
In this article, we will explore the two ways that the unique Solahart Solar-Ready water heater can be installed:
a. A solar water heater with the addition of solar collectors; or
b. A smart-electric water heater when connected to a solar power system (PowerStore); or
2. As a solar water heater from day one
If you need hot water immediately, or if your current water heater is showing signs of wear, you can install a Solahart Solar-Ready tank as a simple replacement electric water heater.
In this instance, the solar-ready tank is installed as a standard 3.6kW electric water heater. It is available in two sizes: 270L and 320L, and comes with a 10-year cylinder warranty.¹
A Solahart Solar-Ready water heater can easily be upgraded to operate as a solar hot water system. Your local Solahart Dealer will organise the installation of solar hot water collectors on your rooftop and then hook them up to the tank’s pre-existing water and electrical connections using a Solar Upgrade Kit.
Water heating typically makes up 25% of an Australian household’s energy bill, and an inefficient water heater can drive your energy bills through the roof. By choosing hot water free from the sun, you can save up to 65%² on your water-heating energy consumption.
Plus, you can take advantage of Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that can reduce the upfront cost of going solar.³
Your local Solahart Dealer can advise which solar collector is right for you.
If you have solar power panels on your roof, you have the option of linking your PV system to the solar-ready tank and upgrading it to operate like a PowerStore smart-electric water heater, for even greater energy savings.
A large proportion of the energy produced by your solar panels may be sent back to the grid if it’s generated when it’s not needed. This often happens when the sun is shining in the middle of the day, but no one is at home. By upgrading your system to work as a smart-electric water heater, you can use this excess solar power to heat your water rather than send it back to the grid, optimising the use of your renewable energy.
The solar-ready tank can link to your solar power panels with the addition of a Solahart Controller Module, a Power Meter and a Solahart Energy Management Unit. The Energy Management Unit automatically shifts controllable loads away from expensive peak times, helping you to self-consume more solar power and save even more on your energy bills.
If you’re ready to go solar right away, you can install a Solahart Solar-Ready water heater as a solar hot water system immediately and enjoy hot water free from the sun.
Solahart Solar-Ready water heater is a smart choice because it provides an immediate solution to your hot water needs right now and also gives you the flexibility to upgrade and save on your energy costs in the future.
Whether you need a simple solution to get back into hot water quickly, a solar water heater from day one, or the option to upgrade to energy-saving solar in the future, you’re in control.
And no matter which option you choose, enjoy the extra peace of mind with a 10-year cylinder warranty.
1: Solahart Warranty Details: 10/3/2 warranty; 10 year cylinder and collector supply, 3 year cylinder and collector labour, 2 year parts supply including labour; applies to a single family domestic dwelling only. All other applications have a 3/1/1/1 warranty; 3 year cylinder and collector supply, 1 year parts supply, 1 year labour.
2: Energy savings of up to 65% shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Solahart 302L and using a medium load in Zone 3 and apply when replacing an electric water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of Solahart system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. Maximum financial savings off your hot water bill are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on continuous tariff. Refer to solahart.com.au for further information.
3: For a Solahart Solar Hot Water system, each STC represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity displaced over a 10 year period. The number of STC’s which may be created for the installation of an eligible solar water heater varies with the size and model of the solar water heater and the region (or zone) in which the unit is installed. The value of an STC is not fixed and varies depending on market factors.
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At Solahart, we’re proud to be leading Australia’s solar charge. Helping smart Aussies make a real difference to the planet, reducing their reliance on the grid, cutting their energy bills, and connecting them to their smart energy future.
Since 1953, we’ve been the trusted name in Australian solar, installing over a million solar hot water systems in over 70 countries, and over 700,000 solar power panels in Australia.
