ANTIK Smart inverter for heating water from surpluses
AC input: 230VAC, max. 16A
AC output: 0 – 250VAC 50Hz
only suitable for resistive loads!
User interface: 2.5” OLED display, touch buttons
Communication interfaces: RS485,
WiFi – Connection to ANTIK Smart Home
Dimensions and weight: 160x160x80mm, 2kg
Mounting method: Wall mounting using the included bracket
Operating temperature: -20 to +60°C
Design: IP40
The most efficient way to use photovoltaics is to consume as much of the energy produced as possible directly in the home. However, most households consume in the morning and evening hours and the highest production runs during the day, which naturally generates surpluses to the electricity grid. A physical battery is a solution for storing the generated energy until it is needed, but it is expensive and has a long payback period. Therefore, it is optimal to use the energy during the day to heat domestic hot water.
ANTIK AC inverter for water heating
A device designed to efficiently use excess energy from your photovoltaic system. Instead of feeding unused energy into the grid, it converts the excess directly into heat for water heating - economically, maintenance-free and automatically . Thanks to the smooth power regulation (0–250 V) , it adapts to the currently available energy. Control is easy thanks to the OLED display , WiFi connection and support for RS485 communication , which allows integration into a smart home via the Antik SmartHome® application.
Features:
- Redirecting excess energy from the inverter to an electric coil with a power of 0 - 3 kW
- Easy installation – suitable even for DIYers without the need to intervene in the PV system.
- Direct communication with the photovoltaic plant inverter in real time
- Works without the need for a battery – saving on storage costs
- Optimizes the use of generated energy during the day when production is highest
Additional features:
✅ Smart automation support - the device can be connected to scenarios (e.g. turning on the socket when a certain heating level is reached)
✅ Remote monitoring of water temperature in the boiler
✅ Backup heating - if the sun is not shining, the possibility of switching to classic 230V power supply
Automation and programmable parameters
The Antik Smart water heating inverter enables intelligent control based on selected conditions . Using the Antik SmartHome application, it is possible to create automation scenarios that allow you to maximize the use of solar surpluses and reduce costs.
Examples of automations:
- Turn on water heating only if there is excess energy from the solar system.
- Turn off the water heating after 6:00 PM if the water temperature was sufficient during the day.
- Turn on water heating if the battery is full and the network export exceeds 300 W.
- Adjust the heating power according to the current voltage or light intensity .
On what principle does this device work?
The ANTIK AC water heater inverter works on the principle of intelligently managing excess energy from your home photovoltaic power plant. During the day, when electricity production is highest but household consumption is low, the energy would normally be fed back into the grid – often without significant financial return.
However, this device automatically detects this excess and directs it directly to the electric coil of your boiler or storage tank. This way, the water is heated completely free of charge, without the need for expensive batteries or complicated installation.
Thanks to this, the household:
- maximizes self-consumption of produced solar energy,
- significantly reduces water heating and electricity costs,
- and significantly accelerates the return on investment in a photovoltaic power plant.
Self-installation suitable even for technically savvy users
The Antik Smart inverter for heating water from surplus water is designed with an emphasis on ease of installation and user freedom. Thanks to this, the installation is not exclusively tied to professional installation. By following the enclosed instructions, basic safety principles and basic knowledge of working with low-voltage DC systems, the installation is fully manageable even for a technically skilled user - without the need to call an electrician or plumber.
This gives the customer the opportunity to install the device at a time that suits them, while saving time and costs associated with professional installation. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions for Technicians (FAQ) section.
Multi-column
🔧 More demanding steps in terms of professional skills
Connecting the DC output from the solar system (plus and minus wires) requires:
- understanding polarity (correct distinction between positive and negative conductors),
- compliance with safe standards for working with direct current (DC),
- working with the terminal block or connectors that are included in the package.
However, this is a standard electrical installation task , comparable to the usual wiring of a photovoltaic panel or connecting a battery inverter.
🧱 Common steps that can be mastered even without practice
Most users can handle basic settings and installation even without previous experience with photovoltaics
- Mounting the device to a wall or supporting structure.
- Connecting the output to a resistive load (e.g. a coil in a boiler).
- Connecting the optional temperature sensor (if included).
- Pairing the device via the Antik SmartHome application.
- Set up automation as needed.
Boiler as a low-cost alternative to battery storage
When considering how to efficiently harness solar energy, battery storage is often the first choice. Although it is an advanced solution, its purchase price, technical complexity, and maintenance requirements can sometimes be a barrier.
A simple and proven alternative is to use an existing boiler as an energy storage device – not in the form of electricity, but in the form of heat.
How it works:
In practice, this means that solar radiation is converted into direct current by photovoltaic panels, which is then fed directly to the boiler's heating coil via a DC converter. The electricity is immediately converted into heat - without passing through a mains converter, without feedback to the distribution network and without unnecessary conversions.
As a result, the water in the boiler is heated continuously during the day, while the sun is shining - without the need for intervention from the network. The heat remains safely "stored" in the tank and is available whenever the household needs it. This makes it possible to cover hot water consumption even in the evening or during inclement weather.
Independent solution with integration options
The ANTIK AC inverter for water heating is designed as a flexible solution that can work fully even without a direct connection to the inverter. If you have a compatible inverter (e.g. Solax, Fronius, GoodWe and others), the device can communicate with it directly and optimize the use of surpluses in real time.
Automatic power regulation according to available energy
One of the most intelligent features of this device is its ability to automatically adjust the heating output based on the currently available amount of solar energy. The output of the electric coil is continuously regulated in the range from 0 to 3 kW in real time - depending on how much energy your photovoltaic system is currently producing and how much is consumed in the home.
In practice, this means:
- does not draw energy from the grid unless necessary – prefers to use the solar energy produced,
- prevents overloading of the electrical installation by prioritizing other appliances and using only real surpluses,
- prevents losses caused by disadvantageous resale of electricity at low purchase prices,
- and automatically increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic system – without the need for user intervention.
The device automatically adapts to the available energy and operates fully autonomously and reliably. Antik AC Water Heater ensures water heating whenever the conditions are right – without the need for your control. It is an intelligent solution that combines comfort, savings and maximum efficiency .
🌥 What if the sun doesn't shine?
Even on days with less sunlight or in winter, you don't have to worry about a lack of hot water. The ANTIK AC inverter for water heating is equipped with an automatic switchover to the classic 230V mains power supply , which ensures water heating even when photovoltaics cannot cover the need. The device will evaluate the situation itself and provide backup heating so that you have enough comfort at any time - without the need for manual switching or technical interventions. This means that your household will have a reliable supply of hot water 365 days a year , regardless of the weather.
Community energy sharing
The inverter sends data about the current surplus of your photovoltaic power plant to the ANTIK Smart Home application.
Based on this data, it is possible to control either additional water heating , the ANTIK wallbox or various other appliances connected, for example, via ANTIK smart sockets , anywhere in the country . The control takes place in real time , which makes it possible to perfectly use the "community energy sharing" service, which is provided in Slovakia by OKTE and in the Czech Republic by the EGD portal .
This way, it is possible to synchronize your surplus with the consumption of your partner in the community sharing group in real time.
Integration into existing electrical installations without intervention
The ANTIK AC water heater inverter is designed to be compatible with standard household electrical wiring (230 V) without the need for circuit breakers, contactors or intervention in the main switchboard. Its compact design and plug-and-play architecture allow for easy connection directly to the socket and connection to the boiler heating coil.
Technical benefits of this solution:
- does not increase the load on the main electrical installation – the power is dynamically regulated,
- there is no need to pull new cables or modify the switchboard,
- allows use in apartments and older houses,
- and if necessary, the device can be quickly dismantled or relocated
This feature is key for both installers and end users, as it allows smart water heating control to be deployed without major interventions or legislative complications .
Excess heating mode
In solar mode, the parameter Allow backup from the grid is set to NO, therefore all temperatures and times related to backup are ignored. The water will be heated only during the day and up to the temperature according to the parameter called “Photovoltaic” (or until interrupted by the boiler thermostat).
Description of individual points of the temperature curve:
1. After sunrise, the temperature in the boiler begins to rise.
2. When the water temperature reaches the desired value, heating is interrupted and the device switches to the secondary output.
3. If the water temperature drops by 5 degrees Celsius on the external sensor, the output switches back to the first coil.
Download the ANTIK SmartHome® app
The ANTIK Smart inverter for heating water from surplus water enables fully intelligent control and optimization of operation directly from your smartphone.
In the app you can:
- Monitor input AC parameters (voltage, current, power) and photovoltaic performance
- Set the target water temperature for surplus and backup heating modes
- Optimize inverter performance and limit maximum consumption
- Control the heating time in backup mode (e.g. during the night)
- Monitor temperatures (water, inverter) and energy consumption (daily and total)
- Configure compatibility with solar inverters (GoodWe, Solax, Huawei, Fronius and others)
- Activate the water disinfection function with adjustable temperature and cycle
Multi-column
AC system input data overview
A comprehensive view of the current electrical values for the water heating system.
- Real-time display of AC voltage, current and power consumption
- Monitoring grid performance and utilization of domestic PV power plants
- Battery status indication for energy balance
Heating power and water temperature in real time
Dynamic graph for analyzing water heating consumption and efficiency.
- Recording AC power and water temperature evolution
- Detailed data for individual time periods
- Ideal for operational evaluation and optimization
Advanced phase control and water disinfection
Advanced settings optimize load distribution and ensure hygienic hot water maintenance.
- Selection of symmetry or specific phase (L1, L2, L3)
- Setting power limits as needed
- Hygienic water disinfection function (e.g. 62 °C)
Temperature sensors and energy statistics
Serious measurements for monitoring system performance and energy consumption.
- External water temperature sensor and internal inverter sensor
- Daily and cumulative reading of consumed energy
- Information about the current operating mode (e.g. Solar)
Backup heating time management
Automated planning with precise and flexible performance management according to your needs.
- Time window for activation of backup heating
- Maximum power limitation (e.g. 3000 W)
- Support for intelligent load distribution
Setting the PV inverter type
Compatibility with a wide range of brands and models.
- Choice of several manufacturers (Antik, Solax, Huawei, Fronius, etc.)
- Possibility of manually entering the IP address and serial number
- Customization according to the specific photovoltaic array
Language and network configuration
Localization of the user interface and Wi-Fi connection.
- Language support SK / CZ / EN / DE
- Ability to edit Wi-Fi SSID and password directly in the app
- Secure and stable local connection
Water temperature control
Easy to set target temperature and heating mode.
- Temperature configuration when using solar surpluses
- Settings for enabling/disabling backup heating
- Manual control of the main inverter
Daily power and temperature recording
Visualization of historical data for accurate operation evaluation.
- Accurate data on consumption and temperature throughout the day
- Recording AC power and water temperature at specific times
- Energy analysis and planning tool
💬 Expert advises: A sensible investment with a real return
💡 "A device for intelligent use of solar surpluses, such as this AC inverter, is a highly effective way to reduce household operating costs. A typical household in Slovak cities with 6 kWp photovoltaics generates daily surpluses in the range of 5–10 kWh on sunny days. By redirecting them to water heating, up to 25–40% of annual electricity costs can be covered. "
The price of the device (from €385) is only a fraction of the price of battery systems, which range from €4,000 to €6,000. At the same time, it is a maintenance-free and reliable solution that uses the existing boiler as an energy storage device.
Thanks to smooth power regulation and easy installation without interfering with the PV system, this product is the ideal choice for households that want to immediately reduce their costs and maximize the use of their solar energy - without unnecessary investments in batteries.
— Ing. Radoslav Lukáč, specialist in energy efficiency and solar solutions
FAQ – For users
Can I use AC heating even if I don't have a solar system?
Yes. The AC heating device works without a solar system because it is connected to the regular electricity grid. However, in this case you do not take advantage of the free energy from the sun. This is a standard way of heating water - if you want to maximize energy savings, we recommend combining it with a solar system.
Is the device designed for both indoor and outdoor installation?
The device is suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas with basic protection (e.g. utility room, under the roof, terrace, covered garage wall). In case of completely outdoor use, we recommend using a cabinet with a higher IP protection.
The device can be installed outdoors , under a shelter or in a ventilated box . It is important that it is not directly exposed to rain or sunlight. The device is IPX4 - protected against water.
Can I create an automation so that the device turns on something else, for example?
Yes. The device supports automation via the Antik SmartHome application , which allows you to create rules such as:
" If solar surplus is available, turn on another smart outlet or device."
For example:
➡️ When there is enough solar energy, the pool heater, fan, or other appliance connected via the smart socket will automatically turn on .
This way, you can effectively manage your home's energy consumption based on the current production from solar panels.
Is the device also suitable for older boilers?
Yes, the device works with most common resistance coils in boilers - even older models. It is important that the coil is functional and accessible for wiring. In case of any doubts, we recommend consulting an electrician or our technical support.
Do I need a WiFi connection to function properly?
The device works without WiFi, but for full functionality - especially remote control, automation and monitoring - we recommend a WiFi connection. Setup is easy via a mobile app, and a network connection provides better control over the system.
FAQ – For Technicians
What if the distance of the temperature sensor is greater than the length of the supplied cable?
In this case, we recommend using an extension cable with the appropriate cross-section and shielding. The sensor uses a common resistance measurement (e.g. NTC), so extension is possible - but it is always advisable to test it to avoid distortion of the value.
What types of inverters are supported?
The device is directly compatible with several common inverter types , which can be easily selected in the application during configuration.
Supported ones include, for example:
- Solax (X3 MIC, X3 D)
- GoodWe (ET)
- Fronius Huawei M1
- Sofar (X, 3PH)
- INVT (XD, XG)
- Solinteg, Deye
- Antique converter
If you have one of the compatible inverters listed above, the device communicates with it directly and allows for real-time optimization of surplus usage .
If your inverter is not listed, it is still possible to use indirect control based on the available power, or contact us with a specific model to verify support.
What if we use an inverter that is not listed in the application?
The device can also be used if your inverter is not yet among the officially supported types. In this case , an indirect operating mode is available, in which the device operates autonomously - for example, based on a timer, fixed power setting or an external signal.
If you want to use the full functionality, including direct communication with the inverter, we recommend sending us information about your model. We regularly expand the list of supported inverters and in many cases we can ensure compatibility by adding new integrations.
How many boilers can the device power?
The device is designed to power a single resistive load – typically a single coil in a boiler. If you have multiple boilers, it is necessary to split the system and use multiple devices or consult a specific solution.
