Using Solar Panels to Heat a House

noelfitz

Recently I got solar panels and would like to know the best way to heat a house.

At present I use my gas system to heat the house for an hour (boost) when needed.

^^^ ^^^ ^^^

PV System (Solar Panels System) supplied by Ecoplex

12 Jinko panels (0.430 x 12 = 5.16kW)

12 Optimisers (as trees near the house)

Solis hybrid inverter (single phase, 3.6kW)

Myenergi hot water diverter (eddi, model 16A1P01H, single phase smart solar diverter)

Shunt

Ber testing and report

On my phone I have myenergi app

Electric Heaters

4 electric heaters, one is a Dimplex, model ECR20, 1.85- 2.00kW, which is a 2kW oil free column radiator. The others are also Dimplex heaters.

Gas System

Viessmann vitodens 100 - Gas condensing boiler

EPH Controls which independently regulate hot water and central heating.

Energy Suppliers

Electricity, Yuno, contract ends 19 Sept 2025

Gas, Flogas, contract ends 16 Nov 24. Plan Name: FixedDiscount 24H, Monthly Payment Day: 4

Calahonda52

This is a non runner, even with battery storage for the reasons shown in the pic below

What did the BER DOW give as the expected kWh per annum

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/ndicative-relative-solar-output-vs-heat-demand-Source-4133_fig1_356218152

magicbastarder

you mention a probable 8kW of electric heaters, attached to 5kW of generation - so even when the solar generation is maxed out, you're only going to be able to just over half power the heaters. and as Calahonda52 points out, the time you need the heat is not going to be the time you'll be generating the electricity.

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058369990/using-solar-panels-to-heat-a-house

Simplest way:

Export in summer use, that credit to offset your gas bill.

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122642500#Comment_122642500

IMO he won't see 5 as he has 3.6 inverter

this is from a DOW on my desk now: 440 by 18 panels 8 east 8 west

12 Jinko panels (0.430 x 12 = 5.16kW)so based on above he will get about 4,000kWh

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122642854#Comment_122642854

And the price difference between the 3.6 and 5kW is so little would be better off with a 5kW anyway.

noelfitz

I am very grateful to all who replied to my query about the best way to heat my house now that I have solar panels. I appreciate very much the help I received.

I enclose an update of my energy resources.

Calahonda52

I see clearly from your post that solar panels generate electricity/heat in the summer, but is needed for heating in the winter. Thus selling electricity to the grid in the summer and using gas to heat in the winter seems best for me, especially as I do not have a battery. The heat can be augmented by a Dimplex if needed.

I did not know what BER DOW meant, now I see it refers to Building Energy Rating – Declaration of Works. As my installers are liaising with SEAI re my grant I cannot supply the information you request, but my BER is C3 and in 2023 I believe my consumption of electricity was 4935kWh.

Magicbasrarder

I have the Dimplex heaters for many years and they are not all the same size, but the one I mention is the largest Twelve 0.430kW panels were recommended by Ecoplex.

Again ir seems that my best option is mainly to use gas for heating, as I did in the past.

Graemark

You clearly point out my best option.

Summary

From this discussion it seems to me now that I should do as I did in the past and use gas as the main source of energy to heat the house. It can be augmented by using Dimplex heaters, especially if only one room needs heat.

*** *** *** ***

PV System (Solar Panels) supplied by Ecoplex

12 Jinko panels (0.430 x 12 = 5.16kW)

12 Optimisers (as trees near the house)

Solis hybrid inverter (single phase, 3.6kW)

Myenergi hot water diverter (eddi, model 16A1P02H, single phase smart solar diverter), Serial Number 24537540

Shunt

Ber testing and report

On my phone I have myenergi app

Electric Heaters

4 electric heaters, one is a Dimplex, model ECR20, 1.85- 2.00kW, which is a 2kW oil free column radiator. The others are also Dimplex heaters.

Gas System

Viessmann Vitodens 100 - Gas condensing boiler

EPH Controls which independently regulate hot water and central heating.

Energy Suppliers

Electricity, Yuno, contract ends 19 Sept 2025, Plan Name: FixedDiscount 24H

Gas, Flogas, contract ends 16 Nov 2024