320L Heat Pump Water Heater for a Home with Rooftop Solar in Victoria

A 320L integrated heat pump water heater being installed at a residential property in Victoria

 Introduction

This project features a customer-branded 320L integrated heat pump water heater manufactured for an Australian partner and installed at a residential property in Victoria, Australia. The homeowner had previously installed rooftop solar PV with support from Solar Victoria's Solar Homes Program. The next step was to upgrade the home's hot water system and make better use of electricity generated during daylight hours.

Project Overview

- **Location:** Victoria, Australia

- **Product:** Customer-branded 320L integrated heat pump water heater

- **Recommended household size:** Approximately 6–9 people

- **Property type:** Residential home

- **Existing energy setup:** Rooftop solar PV installed with support from Solar Victoria's Solar Homes Program

- **Application:** Domestic hot water

The Starting Point

Before purchasing the heat pump water heater, the homeowner had already installed rooftop solar PV. With daytime solar generation available, the next stage of the household's energy upgrade focused on domestic hot water—one of the major sources of energy use in Australian homes.

A 320L integrated heat pump water heater was selected to support the household's hot water demand while allowing more electricity use to be shifted to daylight hours.

Why This Solution

Heat pump water heaters generally use considerably less electricity than conventional resistive electric water heaters. For a home with existing rooftop solar PV, operating the heat pump during daylight hours can help increase the household's use of electricity generated on-site.

The 320L storage capacity is suitable for households of approximately 6–9 people, depending on shower duration, simultaneous hot water use and individual usage patterns.

Rather than expanding the existing solar array, the homeowner chose to add an energy-efficient hot water system that could be operated during the property's daytime solar generation window.

Midday Power Saver

From 1 October 2026, eligible Victorian households with a smart meter will be able to opt into the Victorian Midday Power Saver. The plan will provide a free electricity window from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. Appliances such as heat pump water heaters may be scheduled to operate during this period, although actual savings will depend on the household's electricity usage and retail plan.

From Factory to Installation

[Customer-branded 320L integrated heat pump water heaters prepared at the factory]

*Customer-branded 320L units prepared at the manufacturing facility.*

[Customer-branded export cartons prepared for heat pump water heaters]

Customer-branded export packaging prepared for international transportation.

- **Factory preparation:** The customer-branded 320L units were inspected and prepared for export at our manufacturing facility.

- **Packaging:** Customer-branded export cartons and protective packaging were prepared for international transportation.

- **Delivery:** The 320L unit arrived at the residential project site in Victoria in its original export packaging.

- **Positioning:** The unit was positioned along an exterior wall near the home's existing solar inverter.

- **Installation:** Plumbing and electrical connections were completed on-site by the local installer.

[A packaged 320L heat pump water heater arriving at the project site in Victoria]

The packaged 320L unit arriving at the residential project site in Victoria.*

How the Heat Pump Works with Rooftop Solar

The heat pump is connected to the home's standard AC electrical supply rather than directly to the solar inverter. During daylight hours, rooftop solar contributes to the home's electricity demand, including hot water production, while the grid automatically supplies any shortfall.

No dedicated solar-control or energy-management hardware was used in this project. The relationship between the two systems is based primarily on operating the heat pump during the household's solar generation window.

[Diagram showing how a heat pump water heater works alongside rooftop solar PV]

*Conceptual illustration only; it is not an electrical wiring diagram. The heat pump in this project uses the home's standard AC electrical supply and is not connected directly to the solar inverter.*

On-Site Installation

The 320L integrated unit was installed along the side of the home, close to the property's existing electrical equipment. Its all-in-one design combines the heat pump and hot water storage tank within a single outdoor unit.

https://nordthermglobal.com/products/r290-side-discharge-heat-pump-water-heater

Project Takeaways

- Operating a heat pump water heater during daylight hours can help a household increase its use of electricity generated by an existing rooftop solar system.

- For Victorian households, the Midday Power Saver may add further value to appliances—including heat pump water heaters—that can be run during midday hours.

- A phased approach to home energy upgrades—solar first, efficient appliances next—is a common and practical path for many households.

FAQ

**Is a 320L heat pump water heater suitable for a large household?**  

A 320L model is generally suitable for approximately 6–9 people. Actual suitability depends on shower duration, simultaneous hot water use and individual household usage patterns.

**Can a heat pump water heater work with an existing solar PV system?**  

Yes. A heat pump water heater can be scheduled to operate during daylight hours, allowing rooftop solar generation to offset part—or, when sufficient solar output is available, potentially all—of its electricity use during that period. Any shortfall is supplied automatically by the electricity grid.

**Does the heat pump connect directly to the solar inverter?**  

Not necessarily. In this project, the heat pump uses the home's standard AC electrical supply. Its operation is aligned with daytime solar generation through usage timing rather than a dedicated connection to the inverter.

**Is a smart meter required for the Victorian Midday Power Saver?**  

Yes. Eligible households require a smart meter and should contact their electricity retailer to confirm eligibility and determine whether the plan suits their electricity usage.

**Can I replace an electric water heater with a heat pump?**  

In many cases, yes—depending on the existing plumbing, electrical supply, installation space and local regulations. Heat pump water heaters are commonly used as replacements for conventional electric storage systems.

## Looking for an OEM Heat Pump Water Heater Solution?

Looking for a customer-branded heat pump water heater for the Australian market? Explore our 320L integrated heat pump water heater solution or contact our team to discuss OEM branding, capacity requirements and market-specific configurations.