Run a Heat Pump on solar power - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

SR Martin · 10-19-2005, 08:06 PM

Anyone know if you can run an a/c unit and heat pump from a solar panel (s) on the roof. I realize the ability to lower one's electric bill is nice but are they powerful enough to run the heat pump in an area like northern new jersey? I figured at 40 or 45 degrees, have the heat pump turn off and switch to the gas furnace and with the solar panel, the heating bill might not be too bad in 40 - 50 degree days like the ones we will have next month. I have plenty of southerly facing roof (34'x16') or so and am tempted... Thanks in advance. Sean

mdshunk · 10-19-2005, 09:19 PM

Yes, it is possible to run anything that runs on electricity off a solar grid. The more power you need, the more solar cells, storage batteries, and bigger inverter you need. To run a heat pump, you'll need a hell of a lot of batteries and quite a big inverter. It would also help if your house was located a lot closer to the sun.

If you care to post your zip code, I could run some rough numbers to let you know what size of a solar system we're talking about to run your heat pump effectively when the outdoor temp is 45 or greater (as per your spec).

SR Martin · 10-20-2005, 03:31 AM

Zip is 07052. Don't know the useage but house when finished (am building now) will be about 4900 sq feet (including a walkout basement, running two 5 ton systems). Appreciate the help. Sean

TimNJ · 10-27-2005, 09:21 PM

My friend is building off grid in CO and the company doing his solar made them list absolutely EVERYTHING they had that used electricity to calculate the requirements. All appliances had to be top of the line Energy Star rated. No "phantom phase" allowed. They will need about 16 panels, have a 15KW backup generator, and only do heavy draw chores (vacuuming, laundry) during the peak of the day. I think it is costing him about $30,000 for the system.

mdshunk · 10-27-2005, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimNJ

My friend is building off grid in CO and the company doing his solar made them list absolutely EVERYTHING they had that used electricity to calculate the requirements. All appliances had to be top of the line Energy Star rated. No "phantom phase" allowed. They will need about 16 panels, have a 15KW backup generator, and only do heavy draw chores (vacuuming, laundry) during the peak of the day. I think it is costing him about $30,000 for the system.

For that amount of lifestyle interruption, it would be cheaper and easier to become Amish!

747 · 10-28-2005, 05:46 AM

I would contact the U.S. dept of energy in D.C. and ask if there are any financial incentives through them for the use of solar power. I bet there is.

TimNJ · 10-30-2005, 11:20 PM

He already checked and there are tax rebates for solar but there is a time limit. I think he is going to just make it under the wire.