Skip to main content

Book your assessment

Find a local dealer

With Solahart, you get the best of both worlds: unbeatable service from your local authorised dealer and the unrivalled support of Australia’s solar experts for over 70 years.

Toggle postcode results dropdown
 

Split Solar range

Streamline RMX Series

Premium solar hot water performance, flexible installation, and a market-leading 10-year warranty make it ideal for homes with limited roof space.

Streamline MDV Series

A smart and reliable solar hot water system with flexible sizing and dependable 5-year warranty protection.
Designed for homes where traditional roof-mounted tanks aren't suitable, our split systems separate the solar collectors and the storage tank, allowing greater installation flexibility without compromising efficiency. With roof-mounted solar collector panels to capture the sun’s energy and a ground-level tank for easy access and sleek aesthetics, this system is perfect for modern households. Backed by decades of solar expertise and Australia-wide service, Solahart's split systems are a smart way to reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions.

How Split System Solar Water Heaters Work

Split system solar water heaters are a smart and flexible way to harness the sun’s energy without a bulky roof-mounted tank. In this setup, the solar collectors are installed on the roof, while the hot water storage tank is positioned at ground level, making it ideal for homes with limited roof space or aesthetic requirements.

Solar Heating Made Simple

In open-circuit split systems, water is circulated between the storage tank and the rooftop solar collectors using a small electric pump known as a circulator. Here’s how the system works:

  1. As sunlight warms the water in the collectors, a temperature sensor detects when it’s hotter than the water in the tank.
  2. The circulator activates and pumps this heated water down to the tank via insulated piping.
  3. Cooler water from the bottom of the tank is sent up to the collectors to be reheated by the sun.
  4. This cycle continues as long as solar energy is available and the tank requires heating.

The circulator automatically shuts off when the water in the tank reaches around 70°C to 75°C, ensuring the system is both energy-efficient and safe.

Intelligent Solar Control

Solahart split systems include a solar controller with advanced features that help maintain performance, protect your system, and extend its life:

Over-Temp Operation

When the tank is full of hot water and the sun is still shining, the collectors can continue heating up. To avoid overheating, the circulator briefly runs to move excess heat from the collectors into the tank—up to a safe maximum of 75°C to 80°C.

Night-Time Cooling

If the system has overheated during the day, it can cool down at night. When the collectors become cooler than the water in the tank (after sunset), the system circulates water through the collectors to release excess heat, reducing the tank’s temperature to an optimal 60°C to 70°C.

Freeze Protection

In colder weather, freeze protection kicks in automatically. If sensors detect that water in the solar collectors is approaching freezing point, the circulator activates to move warmer water from the tank through the collectors, preventing potential frost damage.

Standby Mode

When no action is needed, such as during cloudy weather or when the tank is already at the desired temperature, the system enters standby mode to conserve energy.

Open-Circuit vs Closed-Circuit Systems

Solahart offers both open and closed-circuit split systems to suit Australia’s diverse climates:

🔓 Open-Circuit Systems

  • Use mains water directly in the collectors.
  • Simple, efficient, and cost-effective.
  • Ideal for warmer climates with no risk of freezing.

🔒 Closed-Circuit Systems

  • Use a special antifreeze fluid (like HartGard®) that transfers heat to the tank via a heat exchanger.
  • Designed for cold or frost-prone regions.
  • Offers greater protection and reliability in winter.

Smart Boosting Options

Solahart split systems come standard with an electric booster, ensuring you always have hot water even during cloudy periods. Alternatively, they can be installed with an in-series gas booster, depending on your home’s energy setup.