Solar Hybrid Heat Pump

Australia's first Solar Powered All In One Heat Pump

Solar Hybrid Heat Pump

Powered directly by as few as 2 solar panels.

Delivering an industry-leading COP of up to 5.2 with ultra-low mains power consumption, it becomes even more efficient by connecting as few as two dedicated PV panels using our patented Hybrid Technology, capturing solar energy while reducing reliance on grid electricity

PV DirectTM

Hybrid Technology

Full DC

Inverter Technology

COP

5.2 Ultra High Efficiency

R290

GWP 3 Eco Friendly Refrigerant 

43 dB(A)

Ultra Quiet

WIFI

User App

Runs directly from solar

Uses free solar energy during the day for maximum efficiency

Designed to maximise solar utilisation

Capture free solar energy by day, store it as hot water for later use

  • About Solar Hybrid Heat Pump

Why choose the Hybrid Heat Pump?

A Hybrid Heat Pump gives you an energy-efficient way to heat your hot water today, with the flexibility to take advantage of solar energy now or in the future.

By combining efficient heat pump technology with the option to connect dedicated solar panels, it can help reduce your reliance on grid electricity and lowers hot water running costs.

Designed for modern Australian homes, the Hybrid Heat Pump offers a smart, flexible and future-ready solution. Start with an efficient heat pump system and add solar capability when it suits your home, budget or energy needs.

Need more information? Download our brochure or get in contact with us.

Download brochure
User manual document
Warranty document
What is a PV Direct-Driven Heat Pump?

A PV Direct-Driven Heat Pump Water Heater combines the efficiency of a heat pump with the power of solar energy.

Instead of relying solely on electricity from the grid, dedicated solar PV panels generate DC electricity that can be used directly to power the heat pump.

The system intelligently prioritises available solar energy, allowing the heat pump to produce hot water using the energy generated from the sun.

Adding dedicated PV panels improves system return on investment*
Engineered for Australian conditions and designed for reliable, efficient operation.
Helps reduce hot water energy costs by up to 98%*
Need to know more?
Solar Hybrid Heat Pump FAQs
  • A Solatherm PV Direct Solar Hybrid Heat Pump combines efficient heat pump technology with dedicated solar PV panels to produce hot water using the sun’s energy.
  • Most modern variable-speed heat pumps already use DC power internally. Although the
  • heat pump is normally connected to the 240V AC grid, the incoming AC electricity is converted to DC within the unit to operate key components such as the variable-speed compressor, fan motors, electronic controls and other DC-powered components.
  • Our PV Direct technology takes advantage of this. Instead of converting solar-generated DC electricity to AC and then converting it back to DC inside the heat pump, the solar PV energy can be supplied directly as DC to the heat pump.
  • This provides a more direct and efficient use of the available solar energy, while the hybrid system intelligently combines solar and grid power when required.
  • During the day, the dedicated solar panels generate DC electricity to power the heat pump and produce hot water. The system prioritises available solar energy first, with AC grid power only providing additional energy when solar power is insufficient.
  • The heat pump then stores the captured solar energy as hot water, allowing the energy generated during the day to be used later when needed like a storage battery.
  • With as few as two dedicated PV panels, Solatherm’s the patented hybrid PV direct technology can combine solar and grid energy to efficiently operate the heat pump.
  • In simple terms: Solar panels produce DC power → the heat pump uses that DC power directly → hot water is produced and stored → the grid only assists when required.
  • This can significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity and can also remove much of the hot-water energy demand from a household battery system, helping reduce battery cycling and making greater use of available solar energy.
  • The Solatherm PV Direct Heat Pump is designed to operate with 2 to or more dedicated solar PV panels, depending on your location, climate and available sunlight.
  • Three panels is generally the ideal choice for most installations. In northern parts of Australia, two panels may provide sufficient solar energy, while three panels are generally better suited to southern regions.
  • The heat pump requires approximately nominal 550 watts of operating power, while modern PV panels typically produce around 475 watts each.
  • With three panels providing sufficient solar energy for several hours during the day, the heat pump can operate predominantly on free solar power, heating and storing your hot water for later use.
  • Simply put: 2 panels can be suitable, 3 panels is the general recommendation, and 4 panels provide additional solar capacity.
  • Yes. The Solatherm Heat Pump remains connected to the AC grid, so it can operate day or night to ensure your hot water needs are met.
  • The system includes three programmable timers, allowing you to prioritise solar heating during the day while providing the flexibility to heat water at night when required.
  • Solar by day, grid support when needed — hot water whenever you need it.
  • When solar energy is unavailable, such as at night or during poor weather, the heat pump can automatically operate using AC grid power, according to your programmed timer settings.
  • Its high-efficiency heat pump technology keeps grid electricity use to a minimum while ensuring your household hot water needs are met.
  • R290 is a natural refrigerant made from propane and is widely recognised as a lower-impact alternative to many synthetic refrigerants. It has an exceptionally low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3, compared with many traditional refrigerants, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.
  • R290 also offers excellent heat transfer and efficiency, making it well suited to high-efficiency heat pump technology and helping the Solatherm PV Direct system deliver efficient hot water performance.
  • R290 is flammable, so the system is designed with the appropriate safety measures for using this refrigerant.
  • The Solatherm PV Direct Heat Pump contains only approximately 400 grams of R290 within its sealed refrigeration system.
  • In simple terms: R290 combines low environmental impact with excellent heat pump efficiency, making it a smart, modern refrigerant choice for the future.

For an Australian household, tank size should be based on number of occupants, hot-water usage and the heat pump’s recovery rate—not simply litres per person. Solatherm PV direct Heat pumps are particularly well suited to storage systems because they can re heat and store during the day using the free solar energy from the sun. current guidance describes 270L as suitable for up to 4/5 people, 315L for up to 6.

Like other hot water systems, the Solatherm Heat Pump must be installed by a licensed plumber. A licensed electrician or appropriately qualified solar electrician is required to complete the electrical and PV connection.

The system can operate without the solar panels connected, giving customers the flexibility to install the heat pump first and add the dedicated solar PV panels later.

This makes it easy to upgrade from a conventional heat pump to a PV Direct solar-powered hot water system when convenient.

Solatherm PV Direct combines high-efficiency heat pump technology with direct solar PV power to maximise the use of free energy from the sun.

By using dedicated solar PV energy directly to operate the heat pump, the system can produce and store hot water during daylight hours while reducing reliance on grid electricity.

With a COP of up to 5.2 and the ability to operate directly from dedicated PV panels, Solatherm PV Direct is designed to deliver high-efficiency solar hot water with minimal grid energy use.

In simple terms: use the sun’s energy to power the heat pump, efficiently turn it into hot water, and store that hot water for when you need it.

Solatherm PV Direct is designed to provide a simpler, more flexible and cost-effective solar hot water installation.

Unlike traditional solar thermal systems, there is no water or refrigerant pipework running to the roof. The dedicated PV panels can be located where they receive the best sunlight, with only electrical cabling running to the heat pump.

This simplifies installation and can reduce roof plumbing, labour, maintenance and associated installation costs compared with traditional roof-mounted solar thermal and split systems.

PV panels also provide a long service life, with many manufacturers offering warranties of 25 years or more, providing long-term value from the solar component.

In simple terms: Solatherm uses simple electrical connections instead of complex roof plumbing, making solar hot water easier to install, maintain and upgrade.

No. The Solatherm PV Direct Heat Pump can operate on 240V AC grid power alone, just like a conventional high-efficiency heat pump.

The solar panels are an added benefit, allowing the system to use free solar energy from the sun to reduce grid electricity consumption.

The heat pump is installed and connected in the normal way, and the dedicated PV panels can be connected to the MC4 connectors on the appliance at any time.

This gives you the flexibility to install the heat pump first and add solar later, whenever it suits you.

  • Need more information?
Technical Data

MODEL

SOLA-HYB270E & SOLA-HYB320E

Power Supply (AC)

220 – 240 V 50/60Hz

Rated Heating Capacity (W)

3000

Nominal Power Input AC/DC (W)

577

COP

5.2

Maximum Current (AC)

7.2 A

Water Tank Volume (L)

270 & 320

Max PV Array

4500 W

Max Input PV Current (DC)

16A

Max PV Short Circuit Current (Isc) (DC)

32 A

MPPT: Voltage Range

45 – 400 VDC

Recommended PV Modules (475W)

2 to 4

Number of Strings

1

Refrigerant

R290 / 410g

Heat Exchanger

Microchannel

Defrosting Method

4 way valve

Max Water Pressure

0.85 MPa

Outer Case

Charcoal grey metal

Expansion Valve

Electronic

Air Flow (m3 /h)

1000m3/h

IP Rating

IPX4

Air Discharge

Horizontal

Air Duct Diameter

Non-Ducted

Back Up Heater (W)

1600 W

Back Up Heater Rated Current (AC)

7.1 A

Default water Temperature (0C)

52

Max Water Temperature (0C)

70

Working Temperature Range (0C)

-7 to 46

Noise (dB(A))

43

Water Inlet/Oulet Size

G 3/4

Net Weight (kg)

130 & 146

Gross Weight (kg)

146 & 166

Unpacked Dimensions (mm)

650*650*1860 & 650*650*2090

Packed Dimension (mm)

720*720* 2005 & 720*720*2225

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