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Increasing water heater capacity might be cheaper than increasing battery capacity.

• dzhiurgis 2y ago
  New cylinder - 1.5k NZD + half day of labour (so another $500). My current one stores about 6-8 kWh. 15kWh battery - 5.5k NZD + and hour of DIY. So technically battery is more expensive but more useful. Also easiest with water heater would be cranking up the temperature, but I really hate dealing with scolding water coming from taps (especially with small kids around). Another thing with battery I can charge with whatever solar excess I have, but with hot water my only option is 16A. Either way I do not care ATM - I export using spot price which has been 2x of what I actually pay for power - https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Wholesale/Reports/W_P_C?DateFrom=20250301&DateTo=20250307&RegionType=POC_UNI&TimeScale=TP&_rsdr=W1&_si=v%7C3 https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Wholesale/Reports/W_P_C?DateFrom=...
  • kragen 2y ago
    Higher temperature hot water requires more expensive plumbing, too.
  • nimos 2y ago
    FWIW you can get thermostatic mixing valves that limits the maximum temperature of the water by mixing in cold water. Lets you run the tank hotter but have the same outlet temp. Fairly cheap I believe.
  • NullPrefix 2y ago
    >Also easiest with water heater would be cranking up the temperature, but I really hate dealing with scolding water coming from taps (especially with small kids around). Your water heater temperature isn't exactly my business but please look into sanitary norms on minimum safe temperature. Water heaters have standing water and bacteria might start living there if the temperature isn't sufficient. I think legionnaires' disease is one of the most prevalent dangers.
  • hnaccount_rng 2y ago
    Can you legally put a 15kWh battery on your system without anyone signing off on it?
    • dzhiurgis 2y ago
      48 volts bby