Best Hot Water System for Solar Homes: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Jun 25, 2026

The best hot water system for a solar home depends on your household size, solar setup, electricity tariff, hot water usage, number of bathrooms, available space, outdoor airflow, electrical requirements and whether you want electric storage, heat pump hot water, gas or instant gas. Solar panels can make electric hot water more appealing in some homes, but solar does not automatically make every electric or heat pump system the right choice.

At Hot Water Outlet, you can compare hot water systems, electric hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems, gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems, instant electric hot water systems and common valves, pipework and fittings.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Hot Water System for Solar?

For many solar homes, a correctly sized heat pump hot water system or electric hot water system may be worth comparing because both use electricity. A heat pump may suit homes with suitable outdoor airflow, drainage, noise placement and electrical setup. Electric storage may suit homes wanting a simpler tank-style replacement where the timing, tariff and electrical setup are suitable.

As a general guide:

Choose heat pump hot water if you want efficient electric hot water and your property has suitable outdoor space, airflow, drainage and electrical requirements.
Choose electric storage if you want a practical tank-style electric replacement and the tank size suits your household.
Compare instant electric only for suitable applications where electrical capacity and flow demand are confirmed.
Compare gas or instant gas if your home already has natural gas or LPG and gas hot water still suits the property better.
Check whether your hot water can realistically run during solar generation hours.
Check whether your current system is on controlled load, off-peak, timer or a standard circuit.
Confirm electrical requirements with a licensed electrician before ordering supply-only.

Solar can help with hot water planning, but the best system still needs to suit your household demand and property.

Best Hot Water Options for Solar Homes at a Glance

System Type	May Suit Solar Homes If	Watch Out For
Heat pump hot water	Outdoor space, airflow, drainage and electrical setup are suitable	Noise placement, condensate drainage, tank size and site suitability
Electric storage	A tank-style replacement is preferred and timing/tariff setup suits	Tank size, running schedule, electrical requirements and heat loss
Instant electric	Flow demand is modest and electrical capacity is suitable	Whole-home use may not suit many properties without major electrical checks
Gas hot water	Gas is already installed and electric options are not practical	Solar electricity does not directly power gas hot water
Instant gas hot water	Continuous flow gas suits the home and gas supply is suitable	Natural gas/LPG, L/min flow rate, gas supply and water pressure

For many solar homes, the main decision is usually between heat pump and electric storage, but gas can still be the better fit in some properties.

Start With Your Current Hot Water System

Before choosing a new hot water system for a solar home, check what you currently have.

Look for:

Current brand and model
System type
Tank capacity in litres
Flow rate in L/min if instant gas
Electricity, natural gas or LPG
Controlled load or off-peak connection
Timer setup if installed
Current hot water running costs
Whether the system runs out
Whether household demand has changed
Existing location
Electrical circuit requirements
Product dimensions
Connection positions

If your current system keeps up and suits the property, a like-for-like replacement may still be practical.

If the current system runs out, heats at the wrong time, is poorly located or no longer matches the household, compare other system types before ordering.

Does Solar Make Heat Pump Hot Water the Best Choice?

Solar can make heat pump hot water worth comparing, but it does not automatically make it the best option.

A heat pump may suit a solar home if:

The home has suitable outdoor space
Airflow around the unit is available
Condensate drainage can be managed
Noise placement is acceptable
Electrical requirements can be met
Tank capacity suits household demand
Timer or operating schedule can suit the household
Licensed tradespeople confirm the setup

A heat pump may not suit if:

The only location is enclosed
Airflow is poor
The system would be too close to bedrooms or neighbours
Drainage is difficult
Electrical upgrades are not practical
The tank size is too small
A standard electric storage system is more practical

Browse heat pump hot water systems if your solar home has the right outdoor conditions for a heat pump.

Does Solar Make Electric Storage Hot Water a Good Choice?

Electric storage hot water can suit some solar homes, especially where a tank-style replacement is preferred and the electrical setup can be managed correctly.

An electric storage system may suit if:

You already have electric storage
A simple replacement is preferred
The current tank location works
The selected tank capacity suits the household
Electrical requirements can be confirmed
Timer or tariff setup is suitable
Heat pump location is not practical

Electric storage may be less suitable if:

The old tank regularly runs out
The tank is undersized
Electrical timing does not align with solar generation
A heat pump would suit the property better
The household has high peak demand
Space or access is limited

Browse electric hot water systems if you want to compare practical tank-style electric options.

Heat Pump vs Electric Storage for Solar Homes

Heat pump and electric storage are both electric, but they work differently.

Option	Best Suited To	Main Checks
Heat pump hot water	Homes wanting efficient electric hot water where outdoor conditions suit	Airflow, drainage, noise, electrical setup, tank capacity
Electric storage	Homes wanting a simpler electric tank replacement	Tank size, electrical circuit, timer/tariff setup, dimensions

A heat pump may use electricity more efficiently, but it needs a suitable location.

Electric storage may be simpler, but it can use more electricity depending on usage, tariff and operating schedule.

The best choice depends on your home’s solar setup, hot water demand and site conditions.

Solar Hot Water vs Solar PV With Electric Hot Water

Many homeowners use the phrase “solar hot water” in different ways.

There are two different ideas:

Solar thermal hot water, where the system uses solar collectors to heat water
Solar PV with electric hot water, where rooftop solar panels generate electricity that may help power an electric or heat pump system

This guide focuses on choosing a hot water system for homes with rooftop solar PV.

If you have solar PV, compare:

Heat pump hot water systems
Electric hot water systems
Instant electric hot water systems for suitable applications

A licensed electrician can help confirm how your hot water circuit, tariff, timer and solar setup can work together.

Best Heat Pump Hot Water Brands for Solar Homes

Heat pump hot water is commonly compared by solar households because it uses electricity and stores hot water in a tank.

Brands to compare include:

Before choosing a heat pump for a solar home, check:

Tank capacity
Outdoor location
Airflow
Condensate drainage
Noise placement
Electrical requirements
Timer or tariff setup
Product dimensions
Delivery access
Required valves and fittings

Do not choose a heat pump brand only because of a rebate, advertised saving or low product price. Site suitability matters first.

Best Electric Storage Brands for Solar Homes

Electric storage can be a practical option where a standard electric tank replacement suits the home.

Brands to compare include:

Before choosing electric storage for a solar home, check:

Tank capacity
Current tank size
Whether the current system runs out
Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Electrical requirements
Timer or tariff setup
Product dimensions
Indoor or outdoor suitability
Required valves and fittings

Electric storage may be practical, but correct sizing is critical.

Should Solar Homes Choose Instant Electric Hot Water?

Instant electric hot water may suit selected applications, but it is not automatically the best whole-home option for solar homes.

Instant electric hot water systems may suit if:

Flow demand is modest
The system is for a suitable outlet or application
Electrical capacity is suitable
Licensed tradespeople confirm the setup
Product specifications match the intended use

Instant electric may not suit if:

Whole-home hot water demand is high
Multiple showers may run together
Electrical capacity is limited
The switchboard cannot support the load
Flow expectations are too high
A storage, heat pump or gas system is more practical

Solar panels do not remove the need for electrical capacity checks. Instant electric hot water can require careful assessment.

Should Solar Homes Keep Gas Hot Water?

Some solar homes still suit gas hot water. Solar PV does not directly power gas hot water, but gas may still be practical where the property already has gas and the existing system suits household demand.

A gas hot water system may suit if:

Natural gas or LPG is already available
A gas system is already installed
Electric hot water location is difficult
Heat pump airflow or drainage is unsuitable
Gas storage or instant gas better suits the household
A licensed gas fitter confirms the setup

An instant gas hot water system may suit if:

Continuous flow hot water is preferred
Gas supply is suitable
Water pressure is suitable
External wall space is available
The correct natural gas or LPG model is selected

Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. Always confirm gas type before ordering.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and One Bathroom

A solar home with one bathroom may suit several hot water system types depending on household demand.

Possible options include:

Heat pump hot water with suitable tank capacity
Electric storage hot water with suitable timing and tariff setup
Instant electric for selected applications where electrical capacity suits
Instant gas if gas supply, water pressure and external location suit

For one bathroom, check:

Number of occupants
Shower habits
Bath use
Kitchen hot water use
Laundry use
Current tank capacity
Whether the current system keeps up
Solar generation pattern
Electrical requirements
Available location

A one-bathroom home with one or two people may have lower demand. A one-bathroom family home may still need a larger tank.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and Two Bathrooms

Two-bathroom solar homes need more careful sizing because hot water demand can overlap.

A heat pump may suit if:

Tank capacity matches household demand
Outdoor airflow is suitable
Drainage can be managed
Noise placement is acceptable
Electrical requirements can be met

Electric storage may suit if:

A larger tank is selected where needed
The current tank location works
Timing and tariff setup are suitable
Heat pump location is not practical

Instant gas may suit if:

Continuous flow is preferred
Natural gas or LPG is available
Gas supply can support the unit
Water pressure is suitable

For two bathrooms, do not choose only by solar compatibility. Size and system type matter more.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and Families

Families usually have higher hot water demand, especially during morning and evening peaks.

For a family solar home, compare:

Heat pump hot water with suitable tank capacity
Electric storage with suitable tank capacity and timing
Gas or instant gas if gas is already installed and suits the home

Check:

Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Shower duration
Back-to-back showers
Bath use
Kitchen and laundry use
Current system performance
Solar generation hours
Electrical requirements
Outdoor heat pump location
Noise and drainage

A solar home can still run out of hot water if the tank is undersized.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and Small Homes

Small solar homes may suit electric storage, heat pump or selected instant electric options depending on layout.

A heat pump may suit if:

Outdoor location is available
Airflow is suitable
Noise placement works
Drainage can be managed
Tank capacity suits demand

Electric storage may suit if:

A compact or medium tank fits
A simple replacement is preferred
Electrical setup is suitable
Hot water demand is low to moderate

Instant electric may suit selected applications if electrical capacity and flow demand are suitable.

Small homes still need proper checks. Limited space can affect both tank and heat pump options.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and Units

Units can be more complicated because of space, electrical supply, body corporate rules, airflow and noise.

A solar unit may suit electric storage if:

Electric storage is already installed
The tank fits the available space
Electrical requirements can be met
Body corporate rules allow the replacement

A solar unit may suit heat pump hot water if:

Outdoor location is available
Airflow is suitable
Noise will not affect neighbours
Condensate drainage can be managed
Body corporate rules allow it

Instant electric may suit selected applications, but whole-home suitability should be confirmed carefully.

For units, check building and body corporate requirements before ordering supply-only.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and Townhouses

Townhouses can suit solar-friendly hot water options, but location is important.

Before choosing heat pump hot water for a townhouse, check:

Side access
Courtyard space
Distance from bedrooms
Distance from neighbouring bedrooms
Boundary fence position
Outdoor airflow
Drainage options
Body corporate or complex rules
Electrical requirements

Electric storage may be simpler where the existing tank location works.

Instant gas may still suit if gas is already installed and the external wall location is compliant.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and Rental Properties

Rental properties with solar need practical hot water systems that suit likely tenant demand.

Electric storage may suit rentals if:

It is already installed
Tank capacity suits the property size
Replacement is straightforward
Electrical requirements are suitable

Heat pump hot water may suit rentals if:

Outdoor space and airflow are suitable
Noise is unlikely to create complaints
Drainage is practical
Tank capacity suits likely tenants
Access for maintenance is reasonable

Gas hot water may suit rentals if:

Gas is already installed
The system type suits the property
The selected model matches likely demand

Avoid undersizing rental hot water. A cheaper system may create tenant complaints if it does not keep up.

Best Hot Water System for Solar and Renovations

Renovations are a good time to plan hot water around solar because the finished home may have different demand.

Consider upgrading or changing hot water if:

A second bathroom is being added
More people will live in the home
A bath is being added
The old tank location is changing
Solar PV is being added or upgraded
Electrical work is already being planned
A heat pump location can be designed early
Drainage can be allowed for
Noise placement can be considered before landscaping

Plan for the finished home, not the old hot water system.

Solar Timing, Timers and Tariffs

For a solar home, timing can be important.

Hot water may be connected to:

Standard electricity supply
Controlled load
Off-peak tariff
Timer-based operation
Solar-aware control setup
A dedicated circuit depending on the property

Before choosing a system, ask a licensed electrician to check:

Existing circuit
Switchboard capacity
Metering setup
Controlled load arrangement
Timer compatibility
Product electrical specifications
Whether any changes are required

Do not assume a new electric or heat pump system will automatically use excess solar without checking the electrical setup.

Tank Capacity Still Matters With Solar

Solar does not reduce the amount of hot water your household uses.

Before choosing a tank size, check:

Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Shower duration
Back-to-back showers
Bath use
Kitchen hot water use
Laundry use
Current tank capacity
Whether the current system keeps up
Future household changes

A well-timed undersized system can still run out. A correctly sized tank is essential.

Heat Pump Location Requirements for Solar Homes

Heat pump hot water systems need suitable outdoor conditions.

Before choosing a heat pump, check:

Whether the unit will be outdoors
Airflow around the system
Clearance from walls and fences
Whether the area is enclosed
Distance from bedrooms
Distance from neighbours
Condensate drainage
Electrical access
Product dimensions
Delivery access

The heat pump location should be practical for airflow, service access, noise and drainage.

Noise Placement for Heat Pumps

Heat pump hot water systems make operating noise, so location should be planned carefully.

Consider whether the proposed location is near:

Bedroom windows
Neighbouring bedrooms
Courtyards
Outdoor living areas
Boundary fences
Narrow side passages
Unit balconies
Shared walls

A solar-friendly hot water system still needs to be neighbour-friendly and practical.

Condensate Drainage for Heat Pumps

Heat pump systems can produce condensate during operation.

Before ordering, check:

Where condensate will drain
Whether water could pool around the unit
Whether drainage work may be needed
Whether the site has fall
Whether drainage could create a slip risk
Whether the installer has confirmed requirements

Drainage should be checked before ordering supply-only.

Electrical Requirements for Solar Homes

Electric hot water, heat pump hot water and instant electric hot water all require suitable electrical setup.

Before ordering, check:

Existing electrical supply
Switchboard suitability
Circuit requirements
Single-phase or three-phase requirements where relevant
Timer or tariff setup
Solar inverter and metering setup where relevant
Product electrical specifications
Whether upgrades may be required

Electrical work must be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople.

Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Heat pump rebates, STCs or incentives may be available in some areas, but they can change and may depend on product eligibility, installer eligibility, property details, purchase type and program rules.

Before choosing a hot water system based on incentives, check:

Current program rules
Product eligibility
Installer requirements
Property eligibility
Customer eligibility
Whether the advertised price includes or excludes incentives
Whether the incentive applies to supply-only purchases

Do not choose a hot water system only because of a rebate. The system still needs to suit your home.

Supply-Only Pricing vs Installed Cost

When comparing hot water systems for solar homes online, make sure you understand what the price includes.

Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online. Supply-only pricing usually does not include:

Installation
Plumbing labour
Electrical work
Gas fitting
Old unit removal
Disposal
Valves
Fittings
Pipework changes
Drainage work
Switchboard upgrades
Gas upgrades
Controller wiring
Compliance upgrades
Concrete bases or platforms
Delivery beyond what is shown at checkout

Before ordering, confirm the full job requirements with appropriately licensed tradespeople.

Valves, Fittings and Accessories

A hot water system order may need valves, fittings or accessories as well as the main unit.

Common items include:

Tempering valves
Pressure relief valves
Duo valves
Non-return valves
Isolation valves
Copper pipework
Gas fittings where relevant
Drainage parts
Connection parts
Controllers where compatible

Hot Water Outlet has a dedicated range of valves, pipework and fittings to help customers compare common hot water accessories.

Always confirm compatibility before ordering.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Hot Water for Solar Homes

Assuming Solar Automatically Means Heat Pump

Heat pump hot water may be a strong option, but it still needs suitable airflow, drainage, noise placement and electrical setup.

Assuming Electric Storage Will Use Excess Solar Automatically

The electrical circuit, timer and metering setup need to be checked.

Choosing the Smallest Tank

A smaller tank may cost less upfront but may not suit families or homes with higher peak demand.

Ignoring Controlled Load or Off-Peak Setup

Existing hot water tariffs can affect replacement planning. Check before ordering.

Forgetting Electrical Requirements

Solar panels do not remove the need for correct circuits, switchboard capacity and licensed electrical work.

Ignoring Heat Pump Noise

Noise placement matters, especially in townhouses, units and homes with close neighbours.

Ignoring Condensate Drainage

Heat pumps need somewhere practical for condensate to go.

Comparing Supply-Only Price to Installed Cost

Supply-only product pricing is not the same as full replacement cost.

Forgetting Valves and Fittings

The hot water unit may not be the complete order.

Solar Hot Water System Buyer Checklist

Before choosing a hot water system for a solar home, check:

Current hot water system brand and model
Current system type
Current tank capacity or flow rate
Whether the current system keeps up
Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Shower habits
Bath use
Solar PV system setup
Controlled load or off-peak tariff
Timer setup
Electrical circuit requirements
Desired system type
Electric storage, heat pump, gas, instant gas or instant electric
Desired tank capacity
Outdoor location for heat pump models
Airflow for heat pump models
Noise placement for heat pump models
Condensate drainage for heat pump models
Natural gas or LPG if choosing gas
Water pressure if choosing instant gas
Product dimensions
Delivery access
Required valves and fittings
Warranty information
Rebate or incentive eligibility where relevant
Licensed trade requirements

Compare Hot Water Systems for Solar Homes Online

Hot Water Outlet makes it easier to compare hot water systems for solar homes by system type, tank capacity, dimensions, energy source and supply-only pricing.

Start with:

If electric options do not suit your property, compare:

FAQs About Hot Water Systems for Solar Homes

What is the best hot water system for solar panels?

For many solar homes, heat pump hot water or electric storage may be worth comparing because both use electricity. The best choice depends on tank capacity, electrical setup, timing, outdoor location, airflow, drainage and household demand.

Is heat pump hot water best for solar?

Heat pump hot water may suit solar homes where outdoor space, airflow, drainage, noise placement and electrical requirements are suitable. It is not automatically the best choice for every home.

Can electric hot water run from solar panels?

Electric hot water may be able to work with a solar-friendly timing or electrical setup, but this depends on the home’s wiring, metering, tariff, timer and product requirements. A licensed electrician should confirm suitability.

Should I replace electric storage with a heat pump if I have solar?

A heat pump may be worth comparing if the property has suitable outdoor conditions and the tank capacity suits the household. Standard electric storage may still be more practical where heat pump location is unsuitable.

Is gas hot water still worth considering if I have solar?

Gas hot water may still suit homes where gas is already installed, electric options are not practical or instant gas better matches household demand. Natural gas and LPG must be selected correctly.

What size hot water system do I need for a solar home?

The right size depends on the number of people in the home, number of bathrooms, shower habits, bath use, kitchen and laundry use, and whether the current system keeps up. Solar does not reduce hot water demand.

Do heat pumps work with solar?

Heat pumps use electricity, so they may suit some solar homes where the electrical setup, timer, tariff and operating schedule are appropriate. The property still needs suitable outdoor airflow, drainage and noise placement.

Are rebates available for heat pump hot water?

Rebates, STCs or incentives may be available in some areas, but rules can change and may depend on product eligibility, installer eligibility, property details and purchase type. Check current requirements before relying on a rebate.

Do solar homes need valves and fittings for hot water replacement?

Some hot water replacements require valves, fittings or accessories depending on system type, pressure rating and connection layout. Browse valves, pipework and fittings and confirm compatibility before ordering.

Can I install a hot water system myself if I have solar?

No. Hot water systems involve plumbing, electrical work and sometimes gas fitting. These should be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople. Hot Water Outlet sells supply-only hot water systems and accessories online, and may help organise quotes from reputable installers where appropriate.

Find the Best Hot Water System for Your Solar Home

The best hot water system for a solar home depends on household demand, tank capacity, electrical setup, tariff, outdoor location, airflow, drainage, noise placement and budget. Heat pump and electric storage systems are often worth comparing, but gas or instant gas may still suit some properties.

Browse hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems and electric hot water systems online with Hot Water Outlet to compare system types, brands, sizes and supply-only pricing.

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