While solar energy’s most common use might be turning the sun’s rays into usable electricity, that’s not its only use. We’re also able to heat things like a home’s water or a pool with this energy, reducing utility costs compared to traditional methods. Technology now exists to combine solar thermal with a heat pump to heat a home’s water, using passive energy for more than just electricity.
Electric Heat Isn’t Efficient
For many homeowners, the efficiency of their water heater is a serious concern. Homes that use oil for space heating are often forced to use electric water heaters, which are far less efficient than gas or on-demand units. In these cases, looking for a more efficient fuel source makes a lot of sense.
Heat Pump Hybrids Are a Bit Better
Electric water heaters are being phased out and replaced with heat pump hybrid water heaters. These units harvest warm air from the space, extract heat from it, and use it to heat the water more efficiently. These units are much more efficient than electric water heaters, especially in a hotter climate, but they can expel cold air after the heat is removed, which puts more strain on the home’s heating system.
Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Split Systems Are Even Better Yet
Solar-assisted heat pump split units are very efficient. These models feature a relatively standard water heater, an indoor heat pump, and an outdoor panel that scavenges heat. As the refrigerant is pumped through the panel, it draws heat into the system, which is then pumped into a coil in the water heater, creating hot water. Even when the sun isn’t shining, the panel works using convection, allowing the system to produce hot water in almost any condition.
How Do They Compare?
How efficient are these systems? An electric water heater’s efficiency ranks at around 1, meaning it’s not very efficient. A heat pump hybrid system is typically around 2, and a thermal-assisted heat pump system is about a 3, making it much more efficient than an electric model. And, in many cases, a solar-assisted unit costs less than a hybrid system, making a lot of sense for many homeowners.
Resources
Installation and additional expertise provided by: New England Solar Hot Water, Inc.
Solar-assisted split heat pump water heater installed: Smart Solar
