Hot Water Solar Dump and Alternator

[EdRedBird]

HI

In the process of getting running water and I am rethinking what I want to do for HW ()
Rather than cutting into my cooling system I am thinking of using an electrtical element and using a solar dump.

But I have the impression that when I am driving ... the voltage "sensor/relay" will pick up 13.5+V regardless of how much sun there is. Thats not a bad thing as such..... BUT how will this affect my battery charging in that case.

OR am i seeing/approaching this wrong?

Regards
B

 

[pappajohn]

In my opinion.....a waste of time.
You'll never get enough solar power to run an electric heating element.
A motorhome boiler electric element will draw at least 1kw....that's going to be a hell of a big solar panel to provide 1kw.

 

[bigtwin]

In my opinion.....a waste of time.
You'll never get enough solar power to run a electric heating element.
A motorhome boiler electric element will draw at least 1kw....that's going to be a hell of a big solar panel to provide 1kw.

It is a strategy widely used in the narrowboat world but, granted, they may have a little more real estate for solar panels.

Ian

 

[EdRedBird]

pappajohn bigtwin Fair enough its May and ....... well I dont know how its your side of the Irish sea.....

Rain power would be the solution.. (A gutter of the roof and a power wheel for the run off)

Actually just spotted that the guy using a 300W element uses it as a top up NOT as main system

Seems I will have to cut into the heating pipes ot have someone do it, at least I would be more confident if someone puts the T in for me and I hook up the rest... at least I can isolate the important bits then

 

[Raul]

In my opinion.....a waste of time.
You'll never get enough solar power to run an electric heating element.
A motorhome boiler electric element will draw at least 1kw....that's going to be a hell of a big solar panel to provide 1kw.

I’m doing just that for the past 6-8 weeks. We left UK end of feb with full lpg, and topped up in Greece 10L. Currently in Spain on same lpg with about 75% on mopeka.
All hot water is done by electric solar, and only helped by gas if needed quick.
We did sites, maybe 4-5 times, but without electric. Mainly for washing, water and dump. Electric solar works 100% if you are set up for it.

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[EdRedBird]

Raul OK Greece and Spain is all nice .... but how does that work out more nothernly ?
I mean even if it is to keep the "boiler" on temperature ..every little bit helps...Putting in an additional heating element is not the cost either
This is my first build and ... i am a bit aprehensive of "cutting in"to the engine as in the video ... electrics seems less risky

 

[Raul]

It works in UK to, 5-6 months of the year. After that, its not enough sun or daylight. My element its a 750w in a propex gas/electric. Im using a multiplus 2kva, 400lfp and 600w solar on the roof. I do have additional 230w portable, but, i found out i rarely need it in the summer.