In summer, when the days are long and sunny, photovoltaic installations generate far more electricity than the average household needs. The problem is therefore not a lack of energy, but how to use it effectively. What can we do with the surplus?
The solution that will help us make use of the surplus energy generated is maximizing self-consumption, that is using the energy on site, within our household. One of the simplest and most effective ways to use surplus electricity is heating domestic hot water (DHW). It is an excellent way to save.
An electric heater in the cylinder, or a simple heat store
The most commonly used solution is to fit an electric heater in the DHW cylinder. When the PV installation produces more energy than the house is currently using, the heater switches on and heats the water. A well-sized cylinder of 100 to 300 liters (depending on the number of occupants) then acts as a “thermal energy store.” During the day, solar energy is converted into heat and stored as hot water. In the evening, when the sun is no longer shining, the household can use hot water without drawing electricity from the grid or running a gas boiler.
Intelligent cooperation with photovoltaics
Technology should serve people, so it is worth using modern controllers or solutions that work with inverters. They analyze energy surpluses in real time and automatically switch on the cylinder heater only when it is actually worthwhile. Termet’s range includes appliances with a Smart Grid function, for example Termet Heat Titanium or Termet Heat Platinum heat pumps, which can use surplus electricity. The user therefore gains full control over the home’s energy management thanks to integrated apps and optimization algorithms.
Heat pumps and photovoltaics as the ideal DHW duo
If we want to increase energy efficiency, it is worth considering a monoblock heat pump, for example Termet Heat Titanium Pro. In summer this pump can run almost entirely on energy from the PV installation. Its operation is particularly cost-effective because heat demand in this period is low and electricity production is high. What is more, thanks to hydraulic modules such as T-BLOCK or T-BOX from the EXPERT LINE, integrating the heat pump with an existing system is simple and safe. These modules contain a complete set of the necessary components and make correct installation easier, eliminating the risk of errors.
Gas boiler and photovoltaics = an economical combination
Where the house is heated by a gas boiler, we can also use energy from PV to heat domestic water. It is enough to add a cylinder with an electric heater. Termet offers a range of compatible DHW cylinders that work with gas boilers and with heaters powered by surplus electricity. This solution is particularly beneficial for people who do not want to, or cannot, invest in a heat pump, yet have a photovoltaic installation and would like to make the most of its potential.
Save and use energy wisely
Using surplus energy from photovoltaics to heat domestic water is one of the most cost-effective applications of this technology. With Termet S.A. appliances — from heat pumps to intelligent DHW cylinders — we can easily create a system that not only reduces bills, but also increases energy independence and, along the way, supports environmental protection. If you are planning a PV installation or looking for ways to use it better, it is certainly worth optimizing domestic water heating. It is a small step that brings real savings.
You can learn more about why a heat pump and photovoltaics are an ideal combination from Akademia Ciepła – Termet S.A. on YouTube: