but nobody here builds anything.
Hi efficient,
I want to build can you help? Do you have a noob write up for direct panel to DC water elements/tanks/heaters?
I didn't see a sticky at the top of the water heater section for basics etc. I watched a Missouri wind and solar video and I have a few questions
I have 26 panels (36v 250w ) stacked in my back yard doing nothing so I thought why not heat some water. 2 years ago I already built an off grid 24 panels system running a 8kw controller to 28kwh, feeding a 6000w inverter. The issue is heating water on cloudy days vs my 28kwh battery vs everything else, well pump So I thought why not take the batteries out of the equation so everything else doesn't die after a few cloudy days. So I plan to wire up to 4 panels directly to element/s. I have in floor heating as a backup and and water to store energy in a water heater that then circulates in a closed loop into the floor. I can add multiple water heaters if needed even 6 gallon ones with DC elements and have the water stored in the floor. I also have a few stock tanks for animals.
Some thoughts:
1.) Probably asked a millions times so I hope you have a write up. Where is the best place to buy reputable DC thermostats that don't cost a fortune and or how to tell they aren't just AC. Are there any good sellers on Aliexpress?
There aren't many on Amazon with a lot of reviews even 100+
This looked good - DERNORD
https://a.co/d/2pISrGg
2.) I guess one issue I see is possibly longevity of the element vs voltage (24v vs 48v elements running off 36v panels)
3.) I was thinking about making a 6" PVC tube that would go towards the middle of the stock tank with a glued bottom cap bulk heads, and a loose top cap for element changing and thermostats, also put it in the middle of the water depth with maybe 4 elements facing all directions in the water to heat from the inside out. Leaks would be the issue that could electrocute an animal, I assume there is a DC GFCI breaker I could use tho. The reason for the PVC is I'd like to make this portable vs putting elements in all the tanks as the animals move from pasture to pasture every few months. Just a thought...
4.) Where do I get the thermostats same as elements? Again, I assume there are a lot of fraudsters out there. I like it to heat up to 105 or 110 degrees max prior to -4 degree Fahrenheit nights.
5.) I don't think I have seen a bent element before, whats that all about, vs double of single regular elements?
6.) What about bulkheads. Looks like they are 1 Inch NPSM
They mention banjo TF100 in the video which is just 1" NPT. Brass or stainless might be better tho.
https://a.co/d/10HmEgD
7.) If I heat from above like mounted to a 2x6 board over the tank so I can move tank to tank every month, what happens if the element is not fully submerged?
I guess thats about it, thanks for your time and help and tips!
Best wishes,
Stew
Video I watched, but I assume prices are cheaper than $36 per element and $15 for a basic temp thermostat.
Ps sorry about the grammar its been a long day