Rheem and Solahart launch water heating to stabilise networks, save energy

Water heater manufacturer Rheem Australia and its renewables brand, Solahart have launched an innovative project in South Australia that boosts local sales while saving consumers cash on their power bills.

The companies have been funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the South Australian Government to launch the Rheem Active Hot Water Control Project to create a Smart Network of home water heaters in the state.

The project will set up a connected network of smart products that are intelligently managed to maximise the use of renewable energy and improve the stability of the electricity network.

In all 2,400 residents will have the opportunity to install a discounted Solahart PowerStore, a solar-smart, and grid-interactive electric water heater.

In the first phase of the program 400 will receive a rebate of between $1,430 and $2,750 when they purchase a Solahart PowerStore and up to $424 in energy bill credits over two years.

Rheem Australia CEO Chris Taylor said: “South Australians are leaders in the adoption and use of renewable energy solutions, and uniquely, this advanced technology partnership makes it easier for SA homeowners to further reduce their energy bills.

“We will demonstrate that our advanced water heater technology helps stabilise the electricity network by using renewable energy when it is most abundant and avoiding the use of grid energy at peak times.

“While their water heaters will be silently working in the background to smooth the load on the state’s electricity grid, participants will be assured of the availability of hot water by our intelligent-centralised control which takes into account each household’s individual needs.”

The project is being launched in partnerhsip with SA Power Networks, energy retailer Simply Energy, technology developer Combined Energy Technologies, and Marchment Hill Consulting.

ARENA and the SA government have each contributed $1.98 million of funding to develop the project and support households installing the new products. 

Solahart PowerStore was a local development for the Australian market by Solahart and was introduced in 2018.

The companies manufacture in Perth and Rydalmere, New South Wales.

South Australians who wish to register for the project or learn should visit here.

Picture: Rheem Australia

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