OFF GRID HOT WATER

Heating water takes a fairly large chunk of your electricity, making up as much as 30% of your home usage. Although solar hot water was once a popular choice for energy-conscious households, heat pumps have become a more modern and flexible solution for both grid-connected and off-grid setups. With better efficiency, fewer installation constraints, and simpler upkeep, they’ve started to replace traditional solar hot water systems in many Australian homes. iStore heat pumps are one of the brands we regularly work with to help households reduce their power bills and improve energy efficiency. They offer consistent performance without needing rooftop panels, and they’re better suited to a wider range of homes and situations.  We’ve installed iStore units across a range of homes and found them to be a good fit for households looking to upgrade without overhauling their whole energy setup. For many, it’s a practical middle ground that just works.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump hot water system uses technology similar to an air conditioner or fridge, but in reverse. Instead of creating heat from electricity alone, it draws in ambient air, extracts the heat, and uses that to warm the water in the tank. This means it can run efficiently even in cooler weather, using far less electricity than a standard electric water system. It doesn’t rely on direct sunlight, so it works consistently day or night, in all weather conditions. The result is a system that can reduce energy use by around 60 to 70 percent for most households, which adds up over time.

A little about iStore

iStore is an Australian-based brand that focuses on heat pump technology designed to suit our climate. The units are compact, tidy, and come in two main sizes, 180L and 270L, which are suitable for small (2-3 person) or average (4-6) households. They’re reliable, with minimal maintenance issues and good customer support when needed. They also include smart features like programmable timers and settings to help you make the most of off-peak power or excess solar. For customers who already have a solar PV system, the iStore can run during the day using solar power that would otherwise go back to the grid.

iStore units are also a fantastic option for off-grid households. Because they use electricity efficiently and can be timed to run during peak solar generation hours.. The system’s reliability and low energy consumption make it a practical solution for properties not connected to the mains. We’ve installed heat pumps for off-grid customers who were looking to reduce generator reliance or better manage their battery storage. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, but it’s a good option for most off-grid setups.

Why choose a heat pump over solar hot water?

Solar hot water systems are still common, but they’re not always the best option depending on your roof space, layout, and budget. Heat pumps, like iStore, don’t need roof panels or complex plumbing, and that makes installation simpler and more flexible. They’re especially handy if your roof is shaded, already full of solar panels, or just not suitable for thermal hot water collectors. A heat pump can also run more consistently than a solar thermal system because it’s not dependent on sunny days. For many households, it ends up being a more practical and cost-effective solution.

5 Benefits of an iStore Heat Pump

1. Lower electricity bills – Because it uses heat from the air, not just raw power, it can reduce hot water energy use by up to 70 percent. Over a year, this adds up to noticeable savings, especially for families using a lot of hot water. It also means you’re less exposed to electricity price hikes. The system works in the background with no extra effort required, and the efficiency continues year-round. Many of our customers notice the difference on their bills within the first few months.
2. Works on all types of roofs – Frees up your roof for solar PV or keeps things simpler if roof space is limited. Unlike solar hot water systems, there are no roof collectors or extra pipes to install. This reduces installation complexity and potential maintenance down the track. It’s also ideal for homes where the roof orientation or shade makes thermal solar less viable. In short, all the gear stays on the ground, which can also make access and servicing easier.
3. Quiet and self-contained – The unit runs quietly and doesn’t take up much more room than a traditional electric system. It’s designed to sit neatly beside the house and operate without causing any noise issues, even near bedrooms or living areas. There are no external pumps or loud fans. For most people, once it’s installed, they barely notice it’s there. It just does the job quietly and reliably.
4. Smart features – Built-in timers and operating modes let you customise when and how it heats. This means you can set it to run during cheaper off-peak electricity times or to align with solar generation during the day. The settings are simple to adjust and give you a bit more control over your energy use. Some customers prefer to just leave it on auto, while others fine-tune it to get the most savings. Either way, it’s a set-and-forget system with the option to optimise.
5. Government incentives – In many cases, heat pumps are eligible for state or federal energy incentives, helping lower the upfront cost. In Queensland, households may be able to access incentives through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that reduce the cost of eligible systems. There are also occasional state-level programs or council offers that support energy-efficient upgrades. These incentives vary based on your location, installer accreditation, and the specifics of your system, so it’s worth checking at the time of purchase. We can provide an estimate and help you apply the incentive at the point of installation. It can make a noticeable difference to your upfront costs.

If you’re considering an upgrade or just want to know what options suit your household best, we’re happy to chat through it. Heat pumps aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but they are a strong option that often gets overlooked. We’ve seen them make a real difference for local families and are always upfront about whether they’re the right fit for your situation.