Panel directly wired to DC heat tape?

[eson]

Somewhat of an off-grider/homesteader question, but this sub forum seemed most appropriate.

Any reason I can't take a 50-100 watt panel and directly wire it to DC heat tape to help keep water for chickens from freezing during the day? Not asking about effectiveness, just whether the panel would actually turn on the heat tape intermittently as it gets sun or not. I wasn't sure if some logic was needed for panels direct to appliance.

An example of the heat tape:
DC heat tape (amazon)

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Somewhat of an off-grider/homesteader question, but this sub forum seemed most appropriate.

Any reason I can't take a 50-100 watt panel and directly wire it to DC heat tape to help keep water for chickens from freezing during the day? Not asking about effectiveness, just whether the panel would actually turn on the heat tape intermittently as it gets sun or not. I wasn't sure if some logic was needed for panels direct to appliance.

An example of the heat tape:
DC heat tape (amazon)

Yes. If you do not select the correct wattage/resistance tape, it won't work.

You need to match the resistance of the heat tape to the panel. I made a quick spreadsheet to assist in a battery heater box thread:

Post in thread 'LifePO4 heater pads'

Dec 4, 2024

Here's a sizing spreadsheet:

Solar heater sizing

docs.google.com

• sunshine_eggo

• 

 

[eson]

Thanks!!

 

[efficientPV]

Not a good match. 12V panels into12V elements is never a good match. That is a 60W tape with a lower than desirable resistance. Try to find a 24V heater element if you really want to accomplish something. Consider silicone pads instead. You should design for a target wattage of about 20W for a 100W panel and a target voltage of around 20V.

 

[eson]

Not a good match. 12V panels into12V elements is never a good match. That is a 60W tape with a lower than desirable resistance. Try to find a 24V heater element if you really want to accomplish something. Consider silicone pads instead. You should design for a target wattage of about 20W for a 100W panel and a target voltage of around 20V.

I actually ended up getting exactly what @sunshine_eggo recommended in the thread he linked. I.e. a 24v 80w silicone pad for a 50w 18v panel

 

[HighDesertOffgrid]

Eggcellent idea for a shattered panel I have.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I actually ended up getting exactly what @sunshine_eggo recommended in the thread he linked. I.e. a 24v 80w silicone pad for a 50w 18v panel

Please let us know how it works. I like to confirm I'm not full of shit.

 

[efficientPV]

That doesn't sound good. What you want is heat first thing in the morning, not waiting for boiling water at noon. It should have been designed for winter weather conditions which is lower wattage of around 20W. Sure, it will work somewhat, just not the best for the chickens.