What about hot water?
An electric hot water heat pump is a type of hot water system that uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground to heat water. The heat pump consists of a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser, which work together to transfer heat from the surrounding air or ground to the water.
Electric hot water heat pumps are highly energy efficient, as they use significantly less electricity to heat water compared to traditional electric hot water systems. They are also environmentally friendly, as they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions. Electric hot water heat pumps are typically smaller in size than traditional hot water systems and have a long lifespan, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Electric hot water heat pumps can be used in conjunction with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system in a few different ways:
- Using excess solar generation: If your solar PV system generates more electricity than you can use at a given time, the excess electricity can be used to power your electric hot water heat pump. This can help you to use more of the clean, renewable energy that your solar panels generate, rather than sending it back to the grid or letting it go to waste.
- Offsetting grid electricity use: Your electric hot water heat pump can be powered by a combination of solar electricity and grid electricity. By using solar electricity to power your hot water heat pump, you can offset some or all of the electricity that you would otherwise need to purchase from the grid. This can help you to save money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Time-of-use electricity pricing: If your area has time-of-use electricity pricing, you can use your solar PV system to power your electric hot water heat pump during times when electricity rates are lower (such as during the day when the sun is shining and you are producing solar electricity for free!). This can help you to save money on your electricity bills.
It’s worth noting that in order to use your solar PV system to power your electric hot water heat pump, you will need to have a solar inverter and a compatible hot water heat pump. It’s a good idea to consult with a professional to determine the best setup for your specific situation.