Published by Greentastic Pty Ltd | November 2025
If you’ve already invested in solar panels, you’re probably enjoying lower energy bills — but you might still be wondering:
“Can my existing solar panels handle both a hot water heat pump and my air conditioning system?”
The short answer is yes — in most cases, they can.
However, whether your system can comfortably power both depends on your solar capacity, household energy usage, and system efficiency.
Let’s break it down with real numbers and facts.
☀️ Understanding How Solar Energy Powers Home Appliances
A standard solar system in Victoria ranges from 5 kW to 10 kW.
- A 5 kW system generates roughly 20 kWh of electricity per day (depending on weather and location).
- A 10 kW system can produce around 35–40 kWh per day.
Now, when you add an energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner and a hot water heat pump, the good news is — both are designed to work perfectly with solar energy.
💧 How Much Power Does a Heat Pump Use?
A modern hot water heat pump typically consumes 1–2 kWh per day to produce 150–300 L of hot water.
That’s up to 70% less electricity compared to an electric storage water heater, and much cleaner than gas systems.
For example:
- Emerald 270L or Ecogenica 270L models (VEU-approved) use around 1 kWh/hour during heating cycles.
- You can schedule their operation during daylight hours to maximize solar self-consumption.
With solar, your hot water becomes almost free once your system is optimized.
❄️ What About Your Air Conditioner?
A reverse-cycle air conditioner is one of the most efficient electrical appliances — it can provide 3–5 kW of heating/cooling for every 1 kW of power used.
Here’s an approximate daily energy use:
- Split system (small home): 2–4 kWh/day
- Ducted system (medium home): 5–8 kWh/day
If you run your system mainly during the day (when solar is active), much of that power will come directly from your panels — not the grid.
⚡ Combined Solar Load Example
Let’s see a real-world scenario for an average Melbourne home:
| Appliance | Daily Use (kWh) | Solar Offset (kWh/day from 6.6 kW system) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Water Heat Pump | 2 kWh | ✅ Fully covered |
| Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner | 4–6 kWh | ✅ 60–80% covered |
| Other Home Loads (lights, fridge, etc.) | 4–6 kWh | ✅ Partial solar offset |
✅ Total Solar Coverage: 80–100% during the day
⚠️ At night: You’ll need either grid backup or a solar battery.
🔋 Why a Solar Battery Makes It Even Better
If you often use your air conditioner in the evening or want consistent hot water overnight, adding a battery system (such as a 10 kWh Tesla Powerwall or Sungrow battery) allows you to:
- Store excess solar energy during the day
- Power appliances at night
- Reduce grid dependence to nearly zero
With a properly sized battery, your home can run 100% on solar for heating, cooling, and hot water.
💰 Rebates and Incentives That Make It Affordable
The Victorian Government’s Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program and Solar Victoria rebates make electrification much more affordable:
| Upgrade Type | Program | Typical Rebate (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Water Heat Pump | VEU Program | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner | VEU Program | $800 – $2,000 |
| Solar Panels (new install or expansion) | Solar Victoria | Up to $1,400 |
| Solar Battery | Solar Victoria | Up to $2,950 |
Combined savings can exceed $6,000–$8,000 — reducing your total upgrade costs significantly.
🏡 Optimising Your Setup for Maximum Solar Use
To ensure your solar system efficiently powers both your heat pump and air conditioner, here are expert tips from Greentastic’s technicians:
- Run major appliances during the day — align heat pump and cooling cycles with peak sunlight.
- Check inverter capacity — ensure your inverter (5 kW or higher) can handle the total load.
- Add a smart controller — automatically schedules appliance operation for solar hours.
- Consider system expansion — upgrading from 5 kW to 10 kW can future-proof your electrified home.
- Regular maintenance — keep your solar, heat pump, and air conditioning systems serviced for peak efficiency.
🌿 The Fact
Yes — your existing solar panels can absolutely power both a hot water heat pump and a reverse-cycle air conditioner, provided your system is sized and managed efficiently.
With VEU rebates, solar incentives, and modern energy-efficient technology, Victorians can now enjoy:
- Lower bills
- Year-round comfort
- Sustainable living powered by the sun
⚡ Ready to Electrify Your Entire Home?
Let Greentastic help you make the switch seamlessly.
✅ Solar Panels & Battery Installations
✅ Hot Water Heat Pumps
✅ Air Conditioning Systems (Reverse Cycle)
✅ VEU Rebate Assistance
📞 Call: 1300 001 392
🌐 Visit: www.greentastic.com.au
✉️ Email: info@greentastic.com.au
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