$1.98 million for solar hot water

ARENA is providing $1.98 million for Rheem Australia’s Active Hot Water Control project, a trial conducted by Rheem’s renewable brand Solahart, using hot water systems in South Australia.

The project will integrate Solahart Powerstore – a solar smart, grid interactive, electric water heater – with a home energy management system. This will demonstrate a low-cost, scalable way for hot water systems to provide demand management services.

The project will explore approaches to active control over 2,400 residential hot water systems in South Australia.

Residential customers with and without solar panels will be able to participate.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said the project will help South Australia to maximise the benefits of renewable energy.

“Australia is experiencing a solar installation boom which is driving the creation of record new renewable capacity,” Mr Taylor said.

“This project will help South Australia to get the most out of this boom and maximise the use of renewables in the grid, reducing pressure on the electricity system.