Solar geyser conversion: PV panels OR direct heating with collector/circulation pump?

[Eric747]

As above, want to convert my 150l geyser to solar. I see there are two very different systems available. The PV option appears by far better: no pump/moving parts. But perhaps I'm missing something..?

 

[Steijn1]

As above, want to convert my 150l geyser to solar. I see there are two very different systems available. The PV option appears by far better: no pump/moving parts. But perhaps I'm missing something..?

I went the PV way with a geyserwise.
I am very glad I did.
Works like a charm and no plumbing. Less that can go wrong

 

[Snyper564]

As above, want to convert my 150l geyser to solar. I see there are two very different systems available. The PV option appears by far better: no pump/moving parts. But perhaps I'm missing something..?

If you plan on going full blown solar then do not go this route put that money towards your solar set up otherwise PV is fine just ensure there is NO shade

 

[A3@MBB]

I also considered the evacuated tube conversion until I spoke to people that went that route.

PV all the way

 

[Eric747]

This is really great guys, many thanks, ordering the geyserwise set then!

 

[Paul_S]

If you go the PV route for water heating stay away from special solar PV geyser heating elements and MPPT converters. Rather spend the money on a decent hybrid inverter (e.g. Sunsynk/Deye) and PV panels so that you can feed 240V into the geyser instead. That way you can use any excess power for other household loads besides the geyser and you can expand later without changing anything. Also you can use standard geyser elements if one fails and not expensive DC elements which are expensive to replace. 2000W 240V elements are also available and cost around R400 at Builders in case you need to reduce the peak power requirements.

 

[BuckRogers]

I also considered the evacuated tube conversion until I spoke to people that went that route.

PV all the way

Why not evacuated tubes. They are efficient and take less roof space.

 

[Paul_S]

Why not evacuated tubes. They are efficient and take less roof space.

Because solar geysers are a ripoff. I have one and I won't replace it if it breaks. A decent 300L high pressure solar geyser costs around R40 000. I'd rather use that money to buy a Sunsynk 8kW hybrid inverter and some PV panels which can be used for other household loads instead of just heating water.

 

[Adhvik]

Great article and good advice from the forum members. I just want to ask would there be any benefit rather using a heat pump with a direct PV?

 

[Mordecai]

I have an 200l evacuated tube system. Money wasted in my opinion. Would rather have went with extra PVs.

 

[Saba'a]

I opted pv panels for solar system.

Use power for geysers and then charging batteries and then running house.

Despite 1st day panels being switched off, I generated 15kw.

Will see today but should be able to generate at least 19kw on a good day.

 

[A3@MBB]

Why not evacuated tubes. They are efficient and take less roof space.

As stated above, main reason is that the R14k for conversion (for 150l) is much better spend towards budget for a home solar solution.
Secondly is water wastage - Hot water is purged if not used frequently.

 

[ADrunkTeddyBear]

Why not a heat pump + solar system?

 

[A3@MBB]

Why not a heat pump + solar system?

If you build your home from scratch this would be something to consider. Most setups already have a 220V geyser that's in working order.
But then I would rather go gas for water and cooking/baking.

 

[Snyper564]

If you build your home from scratch this would be something to consider. Most setups already have a 220V geyser that's in working order.
But then I would rather go gas for water and cooking/baking.

if you plan your system properly you can go full blown solar for your oven and go induction for your stove



Geyser needed quick top up in the morning and made dinner in oven and induction stove

 

[ADrunkTeddyBear]

if you plan your system properly you can go full blown solar for your oven and go induction for your stove

View attachment 1275986

Geyser needed quick top up in the morning and made dinner in oven and induction stove

Whats the pull from your mining rigs? I see your base load is around 1kw

 

[Snyper564]

Whats the pull from your mining rigs? I see your base load is around 1kw

My overnight base load looks like this



Rig only pulls 130w at night as screen is off. But Im running 3 fridges (2 of which are beer fridges) a chest freezer and at the moment a fermentation chamber. Remove beer fridges and miner will put the base load around 100w.

I have 10kw left on the batteries in the morning so I am waiting for eth2 to scale mining operation

 

[Eric747]

If you go the PV route for water heating stay away from special solar PV geyser heating elements and MPPT converters. Rather spend the money on a decent hybrid inverter (e.g. Sunsynk/Deye) and PV panels so that you can feed 240V into the geyser instead. That way you can use any excess power for other household loads besides the geyser and you can expand later without changing anything. Also you can use standard geyser elements if one fails and not expensive DC elements which are expensive to replace. 2000W 240V elements are also available and cost around R400 at Builders in case you need to reduce the peak power requirements.

Perhaps good suggestion but I just spent $$$ on 5kW inverter with 14kWh batteries + 2kW panels. So it could be a bit too late...

 

[Snyper564]

Perhaps good suggestion but I just spent $$$ on 5kW inverter with 14kWh batteries + 2kW panels. So it could be a bit too late...

do you get sufficient sun to charge up the batteries? or you plan on expanding that as your batteries seem disproportional to your panels