I have been heating electrically pretty well for a while... but we have these 4-5 day long storms here in the winter very often and that makes energy storage tedious as it is. I have about 30kw of lipo cells that a friend is discharge/charge testing before I install them (alibaba purchase, check twice) in addition to roughly 10-12kw of 5 very tired BYD packs that started this whole adventure and 8 of my new 300ah cells that I already checked. I hope to use propane as infrequently as possible short of putting two Model S packs under my tiny house ?Adding more batteries and going electric increases your solar system capabilities, eliminates an additional (flammable) system and you are not dependent upon propane suppliers.
Just a thought.
Propane Tankless water heater for tiny house?
- Thread starter falgsc-al
- Start date
WYtreasure
It's not happy hour, I'm just like this.
It does sound like propane will be a good choice for you.
The fine filter elements will help it last a long time.
The fine filter elements will help it last a long time.
newbostonconst
Solar Enthusiast
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2019
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- 1,005
Why not buy a small generator and charge the batteries while heating up that existing water tank. Should only need to run the generator for a couple hours if you have the right setup to charge.
LithiumCanuck
New Member
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- Jan 3, 2022
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- 122
? killing the planet ?.
? kidding. I have to use mine once in a while.… wish I could kill winter ?
All this generator talk is making me feel like Ive been stupidly stubborn and anti-generator for some reason. The big issue I have is a suitable charging setup, I have no more than 25A of any regulated (and totally inefficient) AC source for anything 90-240v. The generators at HF would put me at a slight cost savings but finding a charging source has blown a big hole in it.
My Epever 8420AN solar controllers (2) are 80A and rated for 200v PV input but Im not sure if Im brave enough to rectify/filter a generator and bypass the array.
My Epever 8420AN solar controllers (2) are 80A and rated for 200v PV input but Im not sure if Im brave enough to rectify/filter a generator and bypass the array.
WYtreasure
It's not happy hour, I'm just like this.
Personally I think you should stick with solar. Run the numbers for a few years down the road and your solar will be cruisin along silently taking care of your electrical needs.
Now think of sitting in line for fuel at some stupid price, for your generator. When it breaks you get to wait 2 months for that $300 part and hope that fixes the problem so you can sit in line for fuel again. rant over
Edit: rant not over
The plants in your greenhouse would appreciate you NOT thinking about a generator.
The End till next time
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I came into this with little know how, and Im pretty floored by how well the whole system does without any help and esp for the small amount I invested. I had one of the slick solar salesman come to my modest 1100sq ft Florida home before I sold it. The cost was going to be $55k (cash price) to have my entire roof paved in panels and offset 95% of my usage. After I sold the house I paid less than that for the whole tiny house and all the solar Ive done so far. I can't remember the kwh sum but it was enormous. Fast forward to now, Yes Ive changed some habits, but I have only had to go into "lights and phones" mode only a dozen days in 2 years and the fridge has never been shut down. I dealt with worse power outtages. I started with 2kw array and went to 4.5kw. Started with 2 marine deep cycle lead acid and I am headed towards 42kwh of LiPo by the end of the month or early Feb.Personally I think you should stick with solar. Run the numbers for a few years down the road and your solar will be cruisin along silently taking care of your electrical needs.
Now think of sitting in line for fuel at some stupid price, for your generator. When it breaks you get to wait 2 months for that $300 part and hope that fixes the problem so you can sit in line for fuel again. rant over
Edit: rant not over
The plants in your greenhouse would appreciate you NOT thinking about a generator.
The End till next time
Growing pains have been constant and it has been a job in itself making course corrections.
WYtreasure
It's not happy hour, I'm just like this.
So a week ago you knew that, now you know this. What do you think you will do?
Lowes is running a really hot sale on eccotemp so Im going to get the i12, hook it to a 20lb bottle and hope when the new cells are hooked in that I only need it to turn on a few times a year.
Edit: just remembered I got a family member that works for rheem I need to see what the family price is
Edit: just remembered I got a family member that works for rheem I need to see what the family price is
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Checkthisout
Solar Wizard
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- Nov 14, 2021
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- 4,889
I have a Takagi TKJR2 or whatever. 7 years old out door unit.
Works fine. 130,000 btus. Too big for a tiny house but also perfect. I paid $380.00 for it. A person building a tiny house found out they couldn't get a propane truck up the driveway in winter so they went a different direction before even putting water through it.
The heat exchangers I have seen are literally just bent copper pipe. Yes, the outside is fancy with the fins. I was expecting something more like an automotive heater core or radiator with odd-shaped tubes but nope. Just bent copper pipe.
Works fine. 130,000 btus. Too big for a tiny house but also perfect. I paid $380.00 for it. A person building a tiny house found out they couldn't get a propane truck up the driveway in winter so they went a different direction before even putting water through it.
The heat exchangers I have seen are literally just bent copper pipe. Yes, the outside is fancy with the fins. I was expecting something more like an automotive heater core or radiator with odd-shaped tubes but nope. Just bent copper pipe.
nogridhome
NoGridHome.com
I can recommend Rheem. No problems at all and my kids can shower for hours at a time!
Attachments
KellyDood
New Member
I believe this was an Ecotemp I used in my box truck camper - worked flawlessly (cept when water line froze). Sorry the video is kinda crap.
adymoore
New Member
I understand your frustration with retailers fudging their reviews, as I've experienced the same thing myself. However, there are some reputable sources, like this article I came across recently: https://www.diamondbackplumbing.com/residential/water-heaters/tankless-water-heater-pros-cons/, that may provide some helpful insights as you continue your search. Good luck!
BuffaloTrace
Solar Enthusiast
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2020
- Messages
- 420
Vevor 18L 4.8gpm propane on demand water heater, coupled to a high capacity 400k btu 2 stage regulator. Low pressure high flow, think 1/4 inch outlet. Originally I tried a small cook top type regulator with no success as it did not flow enough fuel.
This setup has been going strong since early 2019. Initially it got used 3-4 times a week for about a year, and now gets used a few times a month. Have gone through 1 set of std alkaline batteries for igniter, and I replaced prior to any issue anyway.
Has auto shutoff at 20 minutes. All water lines are 1/2" cpvc, Super cheap, and couples with the high power regulator is turned down to about 1/3 gas flow on "winter" setting all year around. The "summer" setting just shuts off 2/3 of the burner capacity. At full gas flow I was getting extremely hot water, boiling, and saw cause for concern in my particular setup.
At 1/3 gas flow as adjusted on the heater, I have seen maximum longevity and total comfort for full hot showers and sink use. This is installed on a small full bath outhouse. Cost less than $250 for the whole setup including extra 30lb lp 5 gallon tank for easy swapping as i keep a full one on hand. heater at $130 amazon. Regulator was $60-70.
very pleased so far.
This setup has been going strong since early 2019. Initially it got used 3-4 times a week for about a year, and now gets used a few times a month. Have gone through 1 set of std alkaline batteries for igniter, and I replaced prior to any issue anyway.
Has auto shutoff at 20 minutes. All water lines are 1/2" cpvc, Super cheap, and couples with the high power regulator is turned down to about 1/3 gas flow on "winter" setting all year around. The "summer" setting just shuts off 2/3 of the burner capacity. At full gas flow I was getting extremely hot water, boiling, and saw cause for concern in my particular setup.
At 1/3 gas flow as adjusted on the heater, I have seen maximum longevity and total comfort for full hot showers and sink use. This is installed on a small full bath outhouse. Cost less than $250 for the whole setup including extra 30lb lp 5 gallon tank for easy swapping as i keep a full one on hand. heater at $130 amazon. Regulator was $60-70.
very pleased so far.
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Has been roughly a year with the Eccotemp. Havent even gone through a 20lb tank yet. My only real gripe is that it does not seem to care if hot water is coming in so I have to manually turn it on and off as needed. I thought a unit with digital controls and a screen would be smarter.
BuffaloTrace
Solar Enthusiast
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- Dec 3, 2020
- Messages
- 420
These $100-$200 economy bargain water heaters are anything but smart, but if it has good water flow and a powerful enough regulator, they seem to be quite bullet proof.
I also have experience with a couple of different $3000 Rinnai NG on-demand heaters and while it has features, like auto shutoff that can be used in conjunction with a solar water panels, and can handle much higher volume, they aren't without their faults. These "smart" solutions can and do cause issues once in awhile.
Depending on water hardness as well, I recommend using a "whole system" water filter prior to any on demand system for the units longevity. Economically it may not make much sense for the cheap LPG heaters, it would be a good idea regardless, especially in mobile applications where water quality may be questionable.
Tellico
New Member
At the following link is your solution. And no, the link is not an affiliate link. I am just an end user.
https://www.campingworld.com/excel-...eater-low-pressure-startup-1.6gpm-105040.html
I've been using one of these units since November 2021 with no major issues. My water supply is gravity fed and only 10 psi. This tank less heater is the only propane one that works with low pressure water that I could find. Take note. Inlet and outlet are both from the bottom of the unit. On initial setup air will be trapped in the heat exchanger. With supply water on, loosen the outlet connection and tip the unit to allow the air to escape. Re-tighten the water outlet and secure to the wall. No additional maintenance needed, except a D cell battery needs to be changed. I am still using the original battery.
12VoltInstalls
life passes by too quickly to not live in freedom
A 3V transformer or (1.5V in your case?) would solve that regardless of voltage. Mine paid for itself 5 years ago- and I have it on a switch so it can’t start unattended (timer switch- 15 minute)
I’ve been 3 years on the current camplux, maybe four. 1.3 gal/minute is more than I need for anything I do including showers. $100 less iirc
Rednecktek
Solar Wizard
I use a USB battery adapter to power mine. Since my shower used a transfer pump originally to feed from a tank I had a small 60w panel and battery mounted already. I just threw a car USB/cig socket on there and called it a day.
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