When installing a solar power system to your home, consider installing a heat pump hot water unit to maximise your savings. Solar plus heat pump hot water systems have changed our approach to residential hot water supply, combining the sun’s abundant energy with the efficiency of a hot water heat pump system, creating a powerful solution that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. 

There are plenty of reasons to consider making the move to solar electric PV plus heat pump hot water systems. 

  • Installing a hot water heat pump will immediately increase your energy savings. Hot water generation can use up to 35% of power in the home. By replacing a standard electric hot water unit with a heat pump, you can reduce hot water energy consumption by between 70% to 80%. 
  • Maximise energy savings on your home solar electric system with the use of heat pump unit timers. Set the system to heat the water at a time that suits your solar electric configuration and increase your energy savings. 
  • It provides a steady supply of hot water, sized to meet your household and water usage requirements. 
  • Your roof space can be entirely dedicated to solar PV panels, as the heat pump does not take up additional valuable roof space. That’s right – no solar water panels or tanks on your roof. 
  • By using renewable solar energy and an efficient heat pump, this system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional water heaters. 
  • These systems are a great return on investment. They are designed to last for many years (with up to 15-year warranties available), and your energy savings will see you recoup your initial investment many times over. 
  • It is a step towards a sustainable lifestyle, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and making a positive impact on the environment.

Making the switch seems challenging? Compare with solar hot water – you will be surprised. It is much easier and much cheaper than you think, and the power efficiencies are exceptional. Just drop us a line at Salmon Plumbing to find out how quickly we can get you up and running with a new heat pump system – usually the same day. 

How does a heat pump work with a solar system?

Here is what you need to know about heat pumps and how they work with your solar system. 

What is a heat pump hot water system? 

A heat pump hot water system operates like an air conditioner or fridge but in reverse.While an air conditioner generates cool air inside by extracting heat from inside and expels warm air outside to cool the air, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to warm up water. This process is incredibly efficient – the heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to create a large amount of heat. 

Solar Hot Water v Heat Pump

Heat pump vs solar hot water 

Solar hot water units do not generate electricity. They simply use the sun’s energy to heat the water. If the sun isn’t shining, then the water isn’t heating. So if your hot water tank is drained at the start of a cold and cloudy day, you will need to use a booster (usually electric) to heat the water in the system’s tank. You may end up paying the premium electricity price to do so. 

Solar electric system plus hot water heat pump

A home solar system harnesses the sun’s energy to generate electricity. Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into Direct Current electricity. An inverter then changes this DC electricity into Alternating Current, which can then be used to power your home and your heat pump. 

How do these systems work together?

During the day, the solar panels generate electricity which powers the heat pump. The heat pump then extracts heat from the surrounding air, intensifies it via a compressor, and transfers it to the water stored in your hot water tank. 

Even when overcast, raining or in the evening, systems incorporating solar and heat pumps still produce hot water incredibly efficiently – using a fraction of the energy of a traditional electric water heater or solar water electric booster to do so. 

Using the timing mechanism on a hot water heat pump allows you to choose the best time for the heat pump to use the electricity from your solar electric battery/grid system to heat your water – usually timed to be the most cost efficient for your set up. Salmon Plumbing hot water system installers can help you work out when that is. 

How does installation and setup work?

Installing a solar plus heat pump hot water system is not a task for the average DIY enthusiast. It requires professional expertise. 

First, you’ll need a qualified plumber who can connect the heat pump hot water unit to your home’s existing plumbing – ensuring all connections are leak-proof and comply with local plumbing codes. Then, the hot water unit needs to be safely connected to your home’s electrical grid. There may be a requirement for permits to be obtained and inspections carried out. Finally, after installation, your system will need to be thoroughly tested to ensure everything is working correctly and efficiently. This involves checking for leaks, testing electrical connections, and making sure the heat pump and solar panels are working as they should be. 

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Do I call a plumber or an electrician?

Making the switch to solar power? When you book your specialist solar electrician to install your home solar/battery system, call Salmon Plumbing for your hot water heat pump installation. 

Already got solar? Your hot water unit configuration can be completely taken care of by Salmon Plumbing. We have a team of certified plumbers and electricians who work seamlessly together to ensure your new system is installed correctly and efficiently. 

We’ll start by removing your old hot water unit with minimal disruption to your routine. Then our team will install your new heat pump system, ensuring all plumbing and electrical connections are secure and up to code. We can help you set up the timers on your new heat pump to maximise energy efficiency.  

We take pride in our workmanship and ensure everything is neat and tidy, cleaning up after installation so you can start enjoying your new system right away. And we offer ongoing support after installation.  

Not sure which hot water system to choose? We can provide great advice on a range of brands including Rheem, Sanden, Reclaim, and Apricus.  

If you’re ready to dive in and reap the benefits of a solar plus heat pump hot water system, get in touch with our team today. With Salmon Plumbing, you’re not just getting a new hot water system; you’re making a splash in investing in a sustainable future. Remember, when it comes to hot water systems, we’re the catch of the day!