Hi Ferg,
I installed a new GE hotwater heater this summer. I think it also has 4500w elements.
But, I got it for my A7 Airtap ASHP project and didn't plan to use the 4.5kW power hog mode at all.
I did test the tank using the
120vac.. Works nice!
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/geothe...html#post23896
Only uses 1.130 kW. Making 3856 BTUh of warmed up water..
Maybe your PV can handle the load at 120vac? At least during the daylight hours..?.
The negative side is
very long recovery time. But, it might be okay,
depending on your hotwater needs.
~~~
Anyways, we're now using a timer that keeps the A7 off, between 10:30PM & 6AM.
Since we aren't going to be using any hot water during those hours,
I don't think we are going to run short of hot water at any point.
(During our normal waking hours).
There might be some small power savings.. I really don't care,
since the power use by the A7 AirTap is already pretty insignificant at 15 cents a day.
This PC uses a LOT more than that per day!!