hot water heating partial eco solution
 

I'd like to add an electric "boost" to my gas water heating loop. That way I can turn the temp down on the main gas unit and heat as needed by an electric point of use unit. (or other type)
Can I hear some methods I might use? Background: Single family dwelling, natural gas unit is very new (so I'm not removing it), price of natural gas is very high here and I'll soon have solar panels.

to approach the SAME cost for electric as NG condensing boiler, with a therm @ $1.90, you need $0.08/kWh electric. can you get your average that low, even with solar? that's a tall order. if you're doing it with some kind of AtW heat pump, you'd have much better luck.

I'll probably never get the same but if I can recover the initial cost of the electric by reducing gas consumption I'd be happy. (even without solar) Still I would have to chase off peak to get the best rate for electric. Maybe not worth it....

electric boilers are (relatively) cheap to buy, but I've never heard of someone installing one to save on operating costs.

Our gas and electric costs have more or less equaled out. Anything I can do to cut back will help.
Heating less volume of water will help that.

Using less gas is also a bonus for the atmosphere.