Gridly
28 Systems Ranked · Updated 2026
Best Heat Pump Hot Water for Solar Homes (Australia 2026)
Running your heat pump on rooftop solar surplus. We ranked every heat pump hot water system in Australia for this specific use case, weighing timer and scheduling capabilities as the primary factor.
Why Solar Homes Changes the Choice
Binding Constraint
Timer control and midday scheduling, the heat pump must be able to run during solar production hours
With rooftop solar, the goal is to heat water during the day when solar generation is highest, effectively free hot water. Look for units with smart timers or PV-divert capability that let you schedule heating to midday hours. A 260L+ tank stores enough thermal energy to last overnight after a midday heat cycle.
A heat pump hot water system is the single best way to use surplus rooftop solar. Unlike a battery (which costs $8,000–$15,000 for 10kWh), a heat pump tank stores thermal energy for free once installed. A 270L tank heated from 20°C to 65°C stores approximately 13kWh of thermal energy. At COP 4.5, that requires only 2.9kWh of electrical input — easily covered by midday solar surplus. The key requirement is a programmable timer that restricts the heat pump to solar production hours.
Our Top Picks for Solar Homes
Reclaim
Energy CO2 315L
$5,500
Why it wins: Smart Timer allows precise midday scheduling to match solar production. COP of 5 means only 2.1kWh of electrical input needed per day.
Enviroheat
200L
$2,000
Why it is good value: At $2,000, it is $3,500 less than our top pick while still meeting all the key criteria for solar homes. Eligible for state rebates to reduce the upfront cost further.
All Qualifying Heat Pumps for Solar Homes
28 heat pump hot water systems meet our criteria for solar homes. Sorted by timer capability.
| System | Tank | COP | Refrigerant | Noise | Min Temp | Timer | Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reclaim Energy CO2 315L TOP | 315L | 5.0 | R744-CO2 | 37dB | -25°C | Smart Timer | $5,500 | 10yr / 6yr |
| Sanden Eco Plus 315L | 315L | 5.0 | R744-CO2 | 38dB | -25°C | Smart Timer | $6,200 | 10yr / 6yr |
| Thermann 315L CO2 Split | 315L | 5.0 | R744-CO2 | 37dB | -25°C | Smart Timer | $5,800 | 10yr / 6yr |
| Ecogenica R 290 | 290L | 5.0 | R290 | 50dB | -15°C | Smart Timer | $2,600 | 7yr / 5yr |
| Reclaim Energy CO2 250L | 250L | 5.0 | R744-CO2 | 37dB | -25°C | Smart Timer | $5,000 | 10yr / 6yr |
| Sanden Eco Plus 250L | 250L | 5.0 | R744-CO2 | 38dB | -25°C | Smart Timer | $5,800 | 10yr / 6yr |
| Thermann 250L CO2 Split | 250L | 5.0 | R744-CO2 | 37dB | -25°C | Smart Timer | $5,223 | 10yr / 6yr |
| Ecogenica R 215 | 215L | 5.0 | R290 | 50dB | -15°C | Smart Timer | $2,200 | 7yr / 5yr |
| Solahart Atmos Eco 280L | 280L | 5.2 | R290 | 45dB | -7°C | Smart Timer | $3,500 | 7yr / 3yr |
| Rinnai Enviroflo 250L | 250L | 5.0 | R290 | 48dB | -5°C | Smart Timer | $3,850 | 7yr / 3yr |
| Reclaim Energy CO2 400L | 400L | 5.0 | R744-CO2 | 37dB | -25°C | Smart Timer | $6,500 | 10yr / 6yr |
| Emerald All-In-One 270L | 270L | 4.9 | R290 | 49dB | -7°C | Smart Timer | $3,290 | 5yr / 5yr |
| Emerald All-In-One 220L | 220L | 4.9 | R290 | 49dB | -7°C | Smart Timer | $2,990 | 5yr / 5yr |
| Rinnai Enviroflo 315L | 315L | 5.0 | R290 | 48dB | -5°C | Smart Timer | $4,200 | 7yr / 3yr |
| Emerald All-In-One 320L | 320L | 4.9 | R290 | 49dB | -7°C | Smart Timer | $3,590 | 5yr / 5yr |
| iStore 270L | 270L | 4.8 | R290 | 46dB | -7°C | Smart Timer | $2,790 | 5yr / 5yr |
| Evoheat 270-E | 270L | 4.7 | R290 | 46dB | -7°C | Smart Timer | $3,600 | 6yr / 5yr |
| Apricus APHP-R290-260 | 260L | 4.1 | R290 | 43dB | -7°C | Smart Timer | $3,500 | 5yr / 5yr |
| Thermastore Heatwave 270 | 270L | 4.3 | R290 | 46dB | -7°C | Mid-range Timer | $3,000 | 6yr / 5yr |
| Aquatech X6 225L | 225L | 4.2 | R290 | 42dB | -7°C | Mid-range Timer | $2,295 | 5yr / 5yr |
| Rheem Ambiheat HDc270 | 270L | 4.5 | R513a | 48dB | -5°C | Mid-range Timer | $3,629 | 7yr / 3yr |
| Stiebel Eltron WWK 302 | 302L | 3.9 | R134a | 45dB | -8°C | Basic Timer | $4,000 | 5yr / 5yr |
| Stiebel Eltron WWK 222 | 222L | 3.9 | R134a | 45dB | -8°C | Basic Timer | $3,500 | 5yr / 5yr |
| Enviroheat 250L | 250L | 3.9 | R134a | 46dB | -7°C | Basic Timer | $2,200 | 5yr / 1yr |
| Enviroheat 200L VALUE | 200L | 3.9 | R134a | 46dB | -7°C | Basic Timer | $2,000 | 5yr / 1yr |
| Quantum 270L | 270L | 4.3 | R290 | 50dB | -7°C | Basic Timer | $3,500 | 5yr / 2yr |
| Quantum 200L | 200L | 4.3 | R290 | 50dB | -7°C | Basic Timer | $3,000 | 5yr / 2yr |
| Quantum 340L | 340L | 4.3 | R290 | 50dB | -7°C | Basic Timer | $4,000 | 5yr / 2yr |
Tank Sizing for Solar Homes
With solar, bigger tanks are better, they store more free thermal energy during peak solar hours. A 270L+ tank heated at midday lasts a 3-4 person household until the next morning. Even a 2-person household benefits from a 260L+ tank in solar mode because it maximises the amount of surplus solar absorbed.
| Household Size | Daily Use (approx.) | Minimum Tank | Recommended Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 50-80L | 160L | 200L |
| 2 people | 100-150L | 200L | 250L |
| 3 people | 150-220L | 250L | 270L |
| 4 people | 200-300L | 270L | 315L |
| 5-6 people | 300-400L | 315L | 340-400L |
Annual Running Cost Estimates
Based on a 3-person household using approximately 200L of hot water per day (10.5kWh thermal energy). Heat pump costs calculated using the COP of our top pick (Reclaim Energy CO2 315L, COP 5.0).
| Energy Source | Rate | Annual Cost | Saving vs Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas hot water (storage) | ~$0.05/MJ | $767 | - |
| Electric resistive | $0.32/kWh | $1,226 | +$459 |
| Heat pump (peak rate) | $0.32/kWh | $245 | $522 saved |
| Heat pump (off-peak) | $0.14/kWh | $107 | $660 saved |
| Heat pump (solar surplus) | $0.00/kWh | - | $767 saved |
Estimates assume 90% gas heater efficiency, COP 5.0 for heat pump calculations. Actual costs vary by location, usage patterns, tariff structure, and seasonal conditions. Solar surplus assumes 100% of heating occurs during solar production hours (practical savings are typically 70-90% of this).
Government Rebates for Heat Pump Hot Water
All 28 of the qualifying heat pumps above are eligible for government rebates, which can reduce the upfront cost by $700–$2,500 depending on your state. Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) apply in all states.
Frequently Asked Questions: Heat Pumps for Solar Homes
How do I run my heat pump hot water on solar power?
What size solar system do I need to power a heat pump hot water?
Is a timer-based system good enough, or do I need a PV-divert controller?
Will my hot water last overnight if I only heat during the day?
Ready to Switch to Heat Pump Hot Water?
Get obligation-free quotes from licensed installers in your area. Compare prices, check your rebate eligibility, and find the right system for your solar homes needs.
Get Heat Pump QuotesRelated Guides
Heat Pump Hub
Compare all 28 heat pump hot water systems available in Australia.
Reclaim Energy CO2 315L Review
Full specs, pros and cons, and pricing for our top solar homes pick.
Enviroheat 200L Review
Full specs and pricing for our best value solar homes pick.
Compare Heat Pumps
Side-by-side comparison tool for any two heat pump hot water systems.
Best for Cold Climate
Alpine regions, Tasmania, Canberra, and southern highlands
Best for Replacing Gas Hot Water
Switching from a gas storage or continuous flow system
Best for Large Household
4-6+ people or high hot water demand
Best for Small Home or Apartment
1-2 people, limited outdoor space
Best for Off-Peak Tariff
Using controlled load or time-of-use electricity rates