4 ms·
That's only optimal if you know you'll need 100% of the heated water (or have a way to store it). While photovoltaics are going to be less efficient than direct
by organsnyder 2y ago
That's only optimal if you know you'll need 100% of the heated water (or have a way to store it). While photovoltaics are going to be less efficient than direct water heating, you can direct the energy to other uses if you don't need more hot water.
- bluGill 2y agoLarge tanks of water are about the cheapest way we know of to store energy. Batteries store more energy, but are extremely expensive.
- organsnyder 2y agoYes, but that only matters if we can easily consume that energy. If we need the hot water, then that's easy—no conversion loss. Otherwise, it gets trickier, especially in a small-scale setting like a home.
- bluGill 2y agoAll homes use at least some hot water for showers. In many climates they can use a lot of energy for heating which means a very large tank could be useful in winter.
- Gibbon1 2y agoI read a study looking at the difference between tankless and tank water heaters. Summary the more hot water you use the smaller the win is for tankless. Other thing I've read and seems true is gas and heat pump water heaters cost about the same to run. I installed a heat pump unit five years ago. Works okay for two people. If you had three teenage girls and a wife that likes baths a tankless would be a better choice.