Water HeatersHeat Pump
Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80 Water Heater Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 80-gallon split-system heat pump water heater, with verified specifications.
- UEF2.71
- Tank80 gal.
- First-hour rating55 gal.
- Est. yearly cost$203
About the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80
Smart Solar model SSG2-ES 80 is an 80-gallon split-system heat pump water heater that meets ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements.
It stores 80 gallons and has a first-hour rating of 55 gallons — the amount of hot water it can supply in one busy hour starting with a full tank. The DOE classifies it in the medium usage draw pattern, so its efficiency rating assumes about 55 gallons of hot water a day.
Its UEF of 2.71 means it moves about 2.71 units of heat into the water for every unit of electricity, by drawing heat from the surrounding air. A standard electric-resistance tank scores roughly 0.9 to 0.95.
As a split system, the heat pump sits outdoors and heats water for an indoor tank, so it does not cool or need air from the room where the tank is installed. Its rated electric input is 0.6 kW at 120 V (8.0 A maximum). The compressor operates down to -20 °F; outside that range backup resistance heat takes over. Refrigerant: R-134a (GWP 1,430).
Specifications
| Brand | Smart Solar |
|---|---|
| Model number | SSG2-ES 80 |
| Water heater type | Heat Pump |
| Heat pump configuration | Split system |
| Fuel / energy source | Electric |
| Storage volume | 80 gal. |
| First-hour rating | 55 gal. |
| DOE draw pattern | Medium-Usage |
| Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) | 2.71 |
| Estimated annual electricity use | 1,192 kWh/yr |
| Rated electric input | 0.6 kW |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| Maximum current | 8.0 A |
| Compressor low-temperature cut-off | -20 °F |
| Refrigerant | R-134a (GWP 1,430) |
| Tank height | 64.0 in. |
| Tank diameter | 24.0 in. |
| Connected / demand-response capable | No |
Safety information
- Set the water heater to about 120 °F (49 °C). Water at 140 °F can cause a serious burn in a few seconds; at 120 °F it takes several minutes. Homes with young children or older adults benefit from anti-scald valves at tubs and showers.
- The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve protects the tank from bursting. Never cap, plug or remove it, and keep its discharge pipe running full size to within about 6 in. of the floor or to an approved drain.
- Installation should be done by a licensed plumber (and electrician or gas fitter where required). Most jurisdictions require a permit.
- Turn off the breaker before removing any cover. Never switch on power to an electric water heater until the tank is completely full — an element energized in air burns out in seconds.
- Where local code requires it (for example, in seismic zones), secure the tank to the wall with approved strapping.
Installation and first-time setup
Use this checklist when planning the installation of the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80 and when reviewing the finished job with your installer.
- Place the outdoor unit
Mount the outdoor heat pump on a level pad or bracket with the clearances the manual lists, out of drifting snow and roof runoff, and within the maximum piping length and height difference allowed between the outdoor unit and the tank.
- Protect the connecting lines
Insulate the lines between the outdoor unit and the tank and follow the manufacturer's freeze-protection instructions for your climate.
- Electrical supply
Provide a dedicated 120 V circuit sized by an electrician to the nameplate (maximum current 8.0 A); under the National Electrical Code, water-heater circuits are sized at 125% of the rated load.
- Plumbing connections
Use dielectric fittings where dissimilar metals meet, install a shut-off valve on the cold inlet, and pipe the relief valve discharge to an approved location. Add an expansion tank if the supply has a check valve or pressure-reducing valve.
- Fill and purge before start-up
Fill the tank completely and run a hot tap until water flows steadily, so no air remains, before turning on power. Then set the temperature and check every joint for leaks.
Using your water heater
Operating modes
Most heat pump water heaters offer an efficiency (heat pump only) mode, a hybrid or auto mode that adds backup heat when demand is high, a high-demand mode, and a vacation mode. Mode names differ by manufacturer, so check your manual. Use the most efficient mode that keeps up with your household, and switch to hybrid or high demand only when guests are staying.
Heat pump recovery is slower than an electric element. If you run short of hot water, raise the setpoint a few degrees with a mixing valve installed, or use hybrid mode during peak times rather than leaving the unit in resistance-only mode. When the surrounding air falls below -20 °F the compressor pauses.
Saving hot water and energy
- Fix dripping hot-water taps promptly and use WaterSense showerheads and faucet aerators.
- Insulate the first several feet of hot and cold pipes at the heater.
- Wash laundry in cold water when possible.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every year | Test the T&P relief valve by lifting its lever briefly with a bucket under the discharge pipe; if it does not reseat and stop dripping, have it replaced. |
| Every year | Drain a few gallons from the tank drain valve, or flush it fully, to remove sediment — more often in hard-water areas. |
| Every 2–3 years | Have the anode rod inspected and replaced when it is heavily corroded; this is the main defense against tank corrosion. (Some models use a powered anode — follow the manual.) |
| Every season | Keep leaves, snow and debris clear of the outdoor unit and check that its coil is clean. |
Troubleshooting
Check these common causes before calling for service.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Not enough hot water | Efficiency mode cannot keep up with demand; setpoint low; very cold air around the unit. | Switch to hybrid or high-demand mode temporarily; raise the setpoint slightly with a mixing valve; improve air supply to the unit. |
| Unit seems to run constantly | Normal for heat pump recovery, which is slower than an element; dirty air filter. | Clean the filter. Long run times at low power are expected. |
| Water around the base | Blocked condensate line; leaking fitting; relief valve discharge. | Clear the condensate drain and check fittings; a leaking tank must be replaced. |
| Fault or alert on the display | Sensor, airflow or element fault detected by the controls. | Note the code and look it up in the code table in your manufacturer's manual. |
| Rotten-egg smell in hot water | Bacteria reacting with the anode rod or water chemistry. | Flush the tank; a plumber can replace the anode with a different alloy or treat the water. |
| Relief valve dripping or discharging | Excess pressure from thermal expansion; failing valve; temperature set too high. | Have the pressure checked and an expansion tank added if needed; replace a faulty valve. Never plug it. |
Energy use and running costs
The Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80 is estimated to use 1,192 kWh per year, about $203 a year ($16.89 a month) at $0.17 per kWh.
A standard electric-resistance tank with a UEF of about 0.92 would need roughly 3,511 kWh to deliver the same hot water — about $394 more per year.
These estimates come from the DOE test, which assumes 55 gallons of hot water a day heated from 58 °F to 125 °F; your use will differ. Heat pump performance also depends on the temperature of the air around the unit and on how often backup heat runs.
Frequently asked questions
How much hot water does the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80 provide?
It has an 80-gallon tank and a first-hour rating of 55 gallons, which is the best guide to how it handles a busy morning.
What is the UEF of the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80?
Its Uniform Energy Factor is 2.71, measured in the DOE medium usage draw pattern. Values above 1 are possible because a heat pump moves heat from the air rather than generating it.
How much does it cost to run the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80?
About $203 a year, based on its estimated 1,192 kWh/yr and electricity at $0.17/kWh.
What electrical supply does the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80 need?
It needs a dedicated 120 V circuit for a maximum current of 8.0 A, sized by an electrician to the nameplate.
Can the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80 be installed in a cold garage?
Its compressor operates down to -20 °F. As a split system, the outdoor unit handles the cold while the tank stays indoors.
Is the Smart Solar SSG2-ES 80 ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes. It appears on the ENERGY STAR certified water heater list, with a certification date of January 2024.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified water heaters dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified January 22, 2024), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with Smart Solar. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact Smart Solar or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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