EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Dump the plumbing and use PV to heat water?

Xringer · 05-06-13, 01:38 PM

Nope, not trying to heat the oil burner anymore..
Since 5/1/2013 we are using the 13 ohm heating elements in the new GE water tank.
It's got the A7 ASHP on top as the primary heat source.
And using the two solar PV arrays to supplement the A7 on sunny days.

We've only used about 1.2 kWh from the grid (in 6 days), since it's been mostly sunny.
Not able to track the amount of PV power used, but I have been taking
sample DC Amp readings. When it's nice out, we see about 1.0 kW of PV.

The 500w tracker seems to stay at around 4 to 5.5 A most of the day..
While the fixed 800w array peaks up to around 7.4A in the middle of the day,
but can drop down to 3 or 4 amps in the early afternoon..
Whilst, the 500w Tracker is maintaining a good 5 to 5.5..
The tracker is lower power, but provides that power for longer hours.

I have some DC current sensors that I can use with the CAI board,
that I may use to display real-time power..
Have no idea how to program for daily power logging..

I should be able to have the CAI send me emails when the temperature gets too high.
Right now, it seems to be peaking out around 67C max. (152.6)
Mostly it stays under 65C. (149F) Good for dish washing! Kills some germs.

If we go boating for a few days, I'll have to leave everything unplugged,
so the T&P doesn't open up and make a mess..

05-06-13, 01:38 PM	#27
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	Nope, not trying to heat the oil burner anymore.. Since 5/1/2013 we are using the 13 ohm heating elements in the new GE water tank. It's got the A7 ASHP on top as the primary heat source. And using the two solar PV arrays to supplement the A7 on sunny days. We've only used about 1.2 kWh from the grid (in 6 days), since it's been mostly sunny. Not able to track the amount of PV power used, but I have been taking sample DC Amp readings. When it's nice out, we see about 1.0 kW of PV. The 500w tracker seems to stay at around 4 to 5.5 A most of the day.. While the fixed 800w array peaks up to around 7.4A in the middle of the day, but can drop down to 3 or 4 amps in the early afternoon.. Whilst, the 500w Tracker is maintaining a good 5 to 5.5.. The tracker is lower power, but provides that power for longer hours. I have some DC current sensors that I can use with the CAI board, that I may use to display real-time power.. Have no idea how to program for daily power logging.. I should be able to have the CAI send me emails when the temperature gets too high. Right now, it seems to be peaking out around 67C max. (152.6) Mostly it stays under 65C. (149F) Good for dish washing! Kills some germs. If we go boating for a few days, I'll have to leave everything unplugged, so the T&P doesn't open up and make a mess.. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..