PV direct to water heat

CrankyDoug · 08-05-18, 12:59 PM

I have an unused area in the middle of my heated basement that should be ideal for four IBC's. I also have a place near the house to put about 3KW in PV. I do not, at present, have the time or money to build a complete off-grid system with heat pumps.

Since most of my winter electric bill is for heating and DHW I was wondering about the possibilities of using the PV's to provide DHW and thermal storage in an IBC array. I have used IBC's for mineral oils at 100-110F without any problems.

Are there any known complications in using the DC output from the PV's to directly power a DHW tank or resistive elements?

This system would help me through the winter, by which time I will be in a better position to install an inverter for next summer's air conditioning.

Grid tie is not an option due to local policies.

08-05-18, 12:59 PM	#1
CrankyDoug Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 100 Thanks: 6 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	PV direct to water heat I have an unused area in the middle of my heated basement that should be ideal for four IBC's. I also have a place near the house to put about 3KW in PV. I do not, at present, have the time or money to build a complete off-grid system with heat pumps. Since most of my winter electric bill is for heating and DHW I was wondering about the possibilities of using the PV's to provide DHW and thermal storage in an IBC array. I have used IBC's for mineral oils at 100-110F without any problems. Are there any known complications in using the DC output from the PV's to directly power a DHW tank or resistive elements? This system would help me through the winter, by which time I will be in a better position to install an inverter for next summer's air conditioning. Grid tie is not an option due to local policies.