Solar hot water for tiny homes and granny flats

A granny flat, tiny home or second dwelling needs its own hot water. Running it from the main house's solar or battery can mean a bigger inverter, a bigger battery or trouble with your solar export limit. iHot gives the second dwelling its own solar hot water supply, from its own dedicated panels.

Why iHot suits a second dwelling

  • Its own supply. iHot runs from dedicated panels and never draws from or diverts the main house's solar.
  • No bigger battery or inverter. Off-grid, iHot doesn't connect to the battery or main inverter, so the main system doesn't need upsizing for hot water.
  • Not affected by export limits. iHot's panels never export, so you can add solar hot water even if the main house's system is already at its cap.
  • Small and quiet. The iHot unit mounts on the wall beside the tank. There's no compressor or fan, so it can sit next to a bedroom or a neighbour's fence.
  • Fewer panels for smaller households. 4 to 6 dedicated panels suit 1 to 2 people as a starting point.

Granny flats and rentals

If the granny flat is rented, the tenant's hot water is heated by the sun on sunny days, which keeps their power bill down. iHot works automatically, with nothing for the tenant to operate. Some state programs for rentals, such as Queensland's Supercharged Solar for Renters, may apply. Check eligibility with your installer.

What you need

  • A standard electric storage tank with an element up to 3.6 kW.
  • Space for the dedicated panels on the dwelling's roof, the main house's roof, a carport or a ground frame.
  • A qualified electrician to install and connect the system. An accredited installer can also claim the STCs, worth about $800 to $1,000 on the dedicated panels.

Our solar hot water kits include the iHot unit and 6 or 8 LONGi 475 W panels. For a 1 to 2 person dwelling, your installer may suggest fewer panels.

Honest limits

  • It needs an electric tank. iHot doesn't work with gas-only systems.
  • It needs panel space. Small roofs may not fit the dedicated panels, so a ground frame or another roof may be needed.
  • Cloudy weather. On the grid, the grid tops up the tank. Off-grid, plan a backup such as a generator input.

Questions

Can iHot share the main house's solar panels?
No. iHot needs its own dedicated panels and never draws from or diverts the house solar. That's what keeps the second dwelling's hot water separate from the main house's system.

Does iHot count against our solar export limit?
No. iHot's dedicated panels never export to the grid, so they aren't affected by your network's rooftop solar or export limits, even if the main house system is already at its cap.

How many panels does a small dwelling need?
As a starting point at Brisbane's latitude with north-facing panels, 4 to 6 dedicated panels suit 1 to 2 people. Your installer will size it for your roof and location.

Does it work for a tiny home on wheels?
iHot needs a standard electric storage tank, panels on a roof or frame, and installation by a qualified electrician. Ask your installer whether it suits your build and how it will be mounted and connected.

Are there rebates?
The dedicated panels earn federal STCs, typically worth about $800 to $1,000. Some state programs, such as Queensland's Supercharged Solar for Renters, may also apply. Check eligibility with your installer.

Planning hot water for a tiny home or granny flat? Tell us where it is, how many people will live there, and what tank and power you have. We'll send you a price and an honest recommendation.
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Off-grid solar hot water · Solar hot water kits · Cheapest way to heat water · How iHot works · Find an installer