Solahart Heat Pump Hot Water Systems | Independent Review by Solar Choice

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Solahart Heat Pumps or any heat pump installer or manufacturer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another. Wondering if heat pumps are worth it? Check out our Complete Buyers Guide to Heat Pumps.

Solahart Atmos Eco 280L Heat Pumps Score Card

Price: $$$
Based on available data and market research, the price for the Solahart Atmos Eco 280 Heat Pump typically ranges from $3,500 to $4,000. However, this price can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, installation costs, and available rebates.

Efficiency: Score: 4/5
The estimated COP range for the Solahart Atmos Eco 280 Heat Pump under typical Australian home conditions (ambient air temperature of 20°C, inlet water temperature of 15°C, and output temperature of 60°C) is 4.9 to 5.5. This high efficiency indicates excellent performance, providing significant energy savings compared to other all in one integrated heat pump models on the market.

Warranty Offer: Score: 4/5
The warranty for the Solahart heat pump is a decent one, including a 7-year tank warranty, a 3-year tank labour warranty, and a 2-year parts and labour warranty. Additionally, you can get access to a 5-year whole-of-product warranty if you live in VIC under the Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program. This solid coverage reflects confidence in the product’s durability and performance, earning it a higher score.

Customer Reviews: Score: 0/5
There are no public customer reviews available for the Solahart heat pump, resulting in a score of 0 points in this category.

Functionality: Score: 3/5
The Solahart Atmos Eco 280 heat pump scores well in terms of functionality, featuring:

• LED Touchscreen Control: Provides modern LED touchscreen for user-friendly operation (1 point).
• Heating Element: Includes a 2400W element for backup heating (1 point).
• Uncertain Noise Level: The noise level is not specified and as such does not meet the <45 decibels benchmark (0 points).
• Stainless Steel Tank Option: Not available; uses an enamel-lined tank (0 points).
• Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant: Uses R290 refrigerant with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) (1 point).

Company Background 

Solahart Industries Pty Ltd (ACN 064 945 848) is owned by Rheem Australia Pty Ltd who also sell similar heat pumps under the Rheem brand. Solahart manages a national network of independent dealers, each operating exclusively within their designated geographic areas.

The company launched its first solar water heater in Australia in 1953 and has over 70 years in the renewable energy technology space. They’ve installed more than one million hot water systems worldwide and over one million solar panels in Australia. Solahart offers a comprehensive range of solar products, including solar power systems, solar hot water solutions, EV chargers and battery storage systems.

Customers may view Solahart as a trustworthy and experienced provider of comprehensive solar energy solutions, backed by many years of expertise and a significant presence in the Australian renewable energy sector.

Solahart Heat Pump Range Available in Australia

Solahart branded products are exclusively installed by SolaHart Dealers. Their range of heat pumps includes options tailored to different needs, from small families to large households and from warm climates to cold and harsh conditions. By examining the key features and specifications of each model, you can determine which Solahart heat pump is best suited for your home and environment.

Model 325HAV: Solahart Atmos Heat Pump

• Capacity: 325L
• Ideal For: Replacing gas or electric water heaters without the need for solar panels
• Climate Suitability: Best for warmer areas with little to no frost (tested from 9°C to +33°C).
• Key Features:
  • No solar panels required
  • Includes an electric booster for cold conditions
• Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 1631 x 888 x 638 mm
  • Weight: 130 kg (empty), 455 kg (full)
  • Power Input: 800W (rated), up to 3600W (max)
  • Refrigerant: R134a
  • Temperature Setting: 60°C
  • Advertised COP: 3.35

Model 270HAV: Solahart Atmos Frost Heat Pump

• Capacity: 270L (195L boost capacity)
• Ideal For: Medium to large families
• Climate Suitability: Suitable for harsh water, cold climates, and tropical conditions
• Key Features:
  • Frost-resistant with a de-icing function for improved performance in very cold climates
  • No need for roof-mounted solar collectors, ideal for installations not suitable for traditional solar water heaters
  • Automatic boost mode for continuous hot water in very cold conditions
  • Advanced wrap-around micro-channel heat exchanger for more efficient water heating
  • Advertised COP: 4.5
• Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 1960 x 740 x 740 mm
  • Weight: 145 kg (empty), 405 kg (full)
  • Power Input: 985W
  • Maximum Rated Power Input: 3600W
  • Electric Heating Unit Rating: 2400W
  • Refrigerant: R134a
  • Noise Level: 47 dB(A)

Model 270QDR: Solahart Atmos Frost Heat Pump

• Capacity: 270L (195L boost capacity)
• Ideal For: Large households in varying climates
• Climate Suitability: Suitable for cold climates and tropical areas (-5°C to +43°C)
• Key Features:
  • Frost-resistant design
  • Operates efficiently in different climates
• Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 1825 x 725 x 690 mm
  • Weight: 145 kg (empty), 405 kg (full)
  • Power Input: 985W
  • Refrigerant: R513A
  • Noise Level: 47 dB(A)

Model 180HDC: Solahart Atmos Eco 180 Heat Pump

• Capacity: 178L (168L boost capacity)
• Ideal For: Small families
• Climate Suitability: Effective in temperatures from -7°C to +43°C
• Key Features:
  • Advanced micro-channel technology for even heating
  • Advertised COP: 4.5
• Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 1810 x 532 x 576 mm
  • Weight: 116 kg (empty), 284 kg (full)
  • Power Input: 683W
  • Refrigerant: R134a
  • Noise Level: 48 dB(A)

Model 280HER: Solahart Atmos Eco 280 Heat Pump

• Capacity: 280L (236L boost capacity)
• Ideal For: Medium to large families
• Climate Suitability: Handles harsh water conditions and cold climates well
• Key Features:
  • Uses R290 refrigerant with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
  • Advertised COP: 5.2
• Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 1832 x 690 x 725 mm
  • Weight: 135 kg (empty), 402 kg (full)
  • Power Input: 690W
  • Refrigerant: R290

Key Differences

Capacity

• Small Families: Eco 180 (178L) – Suitable for households with fewer members, ensuring sufficient hot water without excessive capacity.
• Medium to Large Families: Frost 270QDR (270L) & Atmos Eco 280HER (280L) – Perfect for larger households, balancing capacity and efficiency.
• Large Households: Atmos 325HAV (325L) – Ideal for homes with high hot water demands.

Climate Suitability

• Warm Areas: Atmos – Designed for regions with minimal frost, ensuring optimal performance in mild climates.
• Cold Climates: Atmos Frost, Frost 270QDR – Built to withstand freezing temperatures, providing reliable hot water even in cold conditions.
• Diverse Climates: Frost 270QDR – Versatile model that performs well in both tropical and cold climates.
• Harsh Water Conditions: Eco 180, Eco 280 – Engineered to handle areas with poor water quality, ensuring durability and longevity.

Environmental Impact

• Low GWP Refrigerant: Eco 280 (R290) – This model uses a refrigerant with minimal environmental impact, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Standard Refrigerants: Atmos Frost (R513A), Eco 180 (R134a), Atmos 325HAV (R134a) – These models use more common refrigerants, suitable for general use.

Efficiency (COP)

• Highest Efficiency: Eco 280 (COP 5.2) – Offers the best efficiency in heat transfer, reducing energy consumption and costs.
• High Efficiency: Eco 180 (COP 4.5), Frost 270QDR (COP 4.4) – These models also provide significant energy savings.

Technology

• Micro-Channel Technology: Eco 180, Eco 280 – Ensures even heating and efficient operation, enhancing performance.
• Frost Protection: Atmos Frost, Frost 270QDR – Equipped with systems to prevent freezing, ensuring reliable operation in cold climates.
• Electric Boosting: Atmos 325HAV – Provides additional heating support during extremely cold conditions, ensuring consistent hot water supply.

Warranty Information for Solahart Heat Pumps

Here is a simplified and easy-to-understand warranty table for each Solahart heat pump models.

How much does a Solahart Heat Pump Cost?

The Solahart Atmos Eco 280L heat pump price range from $3,500 to $4,000. Prices and costs will vary based on geographic location, installation complexity, and available rebates. Government incentives, such as Solar Victoria’s Heat Pump Hot Water Rebate Program or the NSW governments Heat Pump Energy Savings Scheme, can reduce upfront costs. Additionally, regular maintenance should be considered in the budget to ensure the heat pump’s longevity and efficiency.

Pros and Cons of the Solahart Atmos Eco 280L

Pros

1. High Efficiency: The Solahart Atmos Eco 280HER Heat Pump has a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.9 to 5.5, indicating excellent energy efficiency and significant energy savings compared to traditional electric water heaters​​.
2. Comprehensive Warranty: The product comes with a 7-year tank warranty, a 3-year tank labour warranty, and a 2-year parts and labour warranty. Additionally, it offers a 5-year whole-of-product warranty under the Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program​​​​.
3. Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant: Uses R290 refrigerant with low Global Warming Potential (GWP), making it an eco-friendly choice​​.
4. Modern Controls: Features an LED touchscreen control for user-friendly operation​​.
5. Backup Heating Element: Includes a 2400W electric heating element for backup, ensuring hot water availability even in less optimal conditions​​​​.

Cons

1. Mid to High Price Range: The Solahart Atmos Eco 280 Heat Pump is positioned in the mid to high range of the market, which may be a significant initial investment for some households​​.
2. Lack of Stainless Steel Tank Option: The product uses an enamel-lined tank instead of a stainless steel one, which may be a concern for durability and longevity in areas with harsh water conditions​​.
3. Unknown Noise Level: The noise level for the Solahart Atmos Eco 280 Heat Pump isn’t specified, which might be a dealbreaker if you’re planning to install it near your living areas. A quiet home environment is essential, and without this information, it’s hard to know if the unit will be a good fit.
4. No Customer Feedback: There aren’t any public reviews available for this heat pump yet. For those of us who like to hear from other users before making a decision, this can be a bit unsettling. It’s always nice to know how others have fared with a product before diving in.

Is the Solahart Heat Pump Worth It?

The Solahart Atmos Eco 280 Heat Pump is a high-efficiency system, boasting a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.9 to 5.5, which translates to significant energy savings and is one of the most efficient integrated systems on the market. Another advantage is that in terms of durability, the Solahart Atmos Eco 280 offers a good warranty and what’s better is that its use of R290 refrigerant, known for its low Global Warming Potential, makes it an environmentally friendly choice.
However, potential buyers should be aware of a few issues. Is that the noise level is not specified which is a big thing to have omitted from the product information for this brand. .This could be a drawback for those planning to install the unit near living areas and that font like surprises. Another significant factor is the absence of public customer reviews which means there is little first-hand user feedback available to ensure that this unit is durable and reliable over the long term. 

Overall, the Solahart Atmos Eco 280 Heat Pump offers excellent efficiency and strong warranty support, making it a solid option for those looking to invest in a sustainable and energy-efficient hot water system. However, prospective buyers should consider their specific needs and installation requirements, and seek advice from Solar Choice’s pre-vetted professionals to ensure it is the right fit for their home.

Looking into heat pump hot water systems? Our comprehensive guide makes it easy, covering potential rebates, the real costs of hot water heat pumps, and the truth about ‘free’ upgrades. Learn about energy savings and understand the benefits and drawbacks with clear expert advice. You can read more on the best heat pump hot water systems in Australia.

Solahart Heat Pump Technical Specifications

For the full technical specifications see Solaharts Technical Specifications downloads

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

James Shand has maintained a firm grasp on the renewable energy market's pulse for over half a decade. His journey has taken him from collaborating with some of Canada's largest solar distributors to his present position, where he is in close communication with manufacturers and installers throughout Australia, facilitated by one of the nation's leading solar comparison companies, Solar Choice. He is academically accomplished, holding multiple bachelor's degrees in business, science, and marketing.

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