This gets discussed a bit.
The bottom line seems to be that solar water heaters (no photovoltaic panels) are way more efficient and globally “ better” at heating water.
For the solar water tube heat things? I don’t know but would be interested. Someone mentioned that “take off” tend to become available cheap(er). New, they are not cheap.
I’ve got a half baked idea to make my own with copper pipe or pex. If the coils are below the insulated storage container, they self circulate. Lots of diy vids on this type thing.
Deye(EG4) makes a couple of units which literally appear to use the same condenser unit to pump refrigerant.
Hybrid ACDC solar air water heater Inverter Company, Supplier | Deye Inverter Technology
NingBo Deye Inverter Technology Co.,Ltd is China Hybrid ACDC solar air water heater inverter company and supplier。 1.100% energy saving in day time. Only solar panel drive. 2.AC grid power limiter, limit AC power from 0-60...www.deyeinverter.com
Hybrid AC/DC Water Cooler/Heater | Solar Air Conditioner
Deye hybrid ACDC solar air conditioner, DC48V solar air conditioner. 100% saving energy, easy installation.deyesolar.com
contact sol-ark as they are the us reseller / distri for deye invertersWow very interesting can we not get this in the USA yet?
Agreed solar thermal is way more efficient.This gets discussed a bit.
The bottom line seems to be that solar water heaters (no photovoltaic panels) are way more efficient and globally “ better” at heating water.
Back in The Day, when I was a kid and dirt was new, my dad built a solar water heater in the back yard. He took the tank out of an old water heater, plugged the excess holes, painted it flat black and built a plywood box to face it south at 45deg. Some of the mylar insulating foam inside and a plexiglass top and that water would get pretty hot pretty quick.For the solar water tube heat things? I don’t know but would be interested. Someone mentioned that “take off” tend to become available cheap(er). New, they are not cheap.
I’ve got a half baked idea to make my own with copper pipe or pex. If the coils are below the insulated storage container, they self circulate. Lots of diy vids on this type thing.
except at night, depending on how much thermal storage you have. I could see adding ESS powered heat pumps for assisting at nightThis gets discussed a bit.
The bottom line seems to be that solar water heaters (no photovoltaic panels) are way more efficient and globally “ better” at heating water.
I agree and have installed two thermal hot water system in the past 45 years. The last one was in 2005 and since then the price off PV solar panels has dropped significantly. Despite the great efficiency of solar water heaters, I have found that a GT PV system with an AC coupled heat pump water heater is optimal for me. It all depends on where you are standing.The bottom line seems to be that solar water heaters (no photovoltaic panels) are way more efficient and globally “ better” at heating water.
Best bang for your buck might be a direct from the panels dc electric pre heater.I'm always standing with my wallet tightly clinched in my fist. lol
I don't believe in dedicating solar panels to just one appliance.Best bang for your buck might be a direct from the panels dc electric pre heater.