PV solar panels can heat your water tank too.
Solar panels today
PV & water heating.
Traditionally, evacuated tubes and solar thermal panels were common until the advent of PV-powered heating converters.
In a nutshell.
This breakthrough is a solar heating management product that gives an additional benefit from your PV solar panels.
This nifty device means you don't have to pay to import expensive electricity for heating your hot water.
Standard water heating costs are approx 25% (depending on tank efficiency) of a typical household's costs.
The science bit.
An immersion element is the most expensive way to heat water, so using solar technology is a smarter way.
Specifications.
Compatible system sizes: 1-4KW.
Immersion power: 100W-3500W.
It's good to know:
"PV-heating converters work side-by-side with tank-based heating systems all year round."
A different perspective.
Over my years of experience within the solar industry, I've seen many changes. The most significant change is from traditional solar thermal panels to PV solar to heat water.
As a result, photovoltaic arrays have become popular, but few are adopting solar heating products such as evacuated tubes.
This reason is why I am now excited about a product which can turn your photovoltaic system into a hot water generator, by just using some of your excess solar-generated electricity to keep your hot water tank with a plentiful supply of hot water.
An inexpensive device that converts excess PV-generated electricity into a daily tank of complimentary hot water - what's not to like?
Free-generated hot water gives additional value to a PV-investment.
The best ideas are always the most straightforward.
The immersion heater is the most expensive way to achieve hot water, so using sun-powered electricity instead makes perfect sense.
Is it easy to install?
Installation is with minimum fuss. DIY installations are not possible because installers require a Part P electrical qualification legally.
What savings can I expect?
This answer depends on the size of your PV system and the amount of hot water you use, but a four-person family with a 4KW PV panel system can expect to save around 200 GBP per year.
(Figure excludes savings from battery storage at approx 520 GBP per year).
Will I get export payments?
Yes. Currently, export payments, pay for 50% of all your units exported. This system means you can use all your units and still receive the export payments as per usual.
Do I need a hot water tank?
Yes. You need a hot water tank with an immersion heater element to benefit from a converter. The management system will automatically control the heating coil throughout the day.
Not suitable for Combi boilers.
If PV isn't generating, do I still get hot water?
Absolutely. Because the converter works alongside your existing hot water system, your tank will still get heated in the traditionally imported-electricity way.
Can I see how much I have saved?
We wouldn't have it any other way. The converter records and displays how much energy used and converted into financial savings.
Can I still use Economy 7?
Yes, The system has a built-in timer that allows three easy-to-use options. It can be programmed every 24 hours and so take full advantage of your off-peak supply if required.
Can it display the water temperature?
Yes, an optional temperature sensor can be fitted to the PV to hot water converter to display the water temperature.
Does it have a warranty?
All converter installations come with a standard five-year warranty.
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