| Off Grid Systems |
There was a time when an off grid house could not have a central heating system. Many of the solar
electric systems weren't large enough. As alternative energy systems have become more mainstream,
and fuel prices have skyrocketed, central heating systems have become more possible. It wasn't that long
ago that a standard heating system for an off grid home was a water heater with a single pump, running a
radiant floor. These systems offer a low electrical power draw and do heat the home. However, keeping a
tank of water hot all the time isn't the most efficient way of heating a home. Especially when that water
heater is probably not much more than 50% efficient when it is burning its fuel. Not many hot water
heating installation companies know, or are concerned with how much electricity is being used to power
their gas boilers.
ERS specializes in high efficiency heating systems that do not consume high amounts of electricity. We
are unique in that we have lived in off grid homes with these systems. We live with and install hot water
heating and solar hot water systems. While not recommended for very small alternative energy systems,
most medium and large systems should be able to handle the additional electrical load of one of our high
efficiency systems. Due to Triangle Tube's Prestige gas boiler we can now design systems that consume
around 100 watts/hr during the run time. This is coupled with a boiler that is rated at 92% and is capable
of 98% for low temperature applications. With proper design a one pump system can heat a well insulated
home upwards of 4000 square feet with a low temperature heat distribution system. The Prestige boiler
offers virtually no pressure drop through its' unique heat exchanger. This allows the on board pump to do
all the pumping. While not quite the highest rated boiler(Viessmann Vitodens is at 95%) the
Prestige(92%) offers great design flexibility.
Solar hot water systems typically don't use very much electricity, only 50-75 watts per hour during
operation. ERS does not recommend using DC pumps running directly off of a small solar panel. While
DC pumps can be more efficient, a control is still needed. Just because the solar panel is making
electricity does not mean the solar collector is warmer than the tank. ERS likes to design and sell systems
that offer complete control. This is most easily done with a 3 speed AC pump and a solar control. AC
pumps are normally much less expensive as well. Add another panel for your system. Spend your money
on your solar electricity array, not on small panels that do nothing other than run a little pump.
electric systems weren't large enough. As alternative energy systems have become more mainstream,
and fuel prices have skyrocketed, central heating systems have become more possible. It wasn't that long
ago that a standard heating system for an off grid home was a water heater with a single pump, running a
radiant floor. These systems offer a low electrical power draw and do heat the home. However, keeping a
tank of water hot all the time isn't the most efficient way of heating a home. Especially when that water
heater is probably not much more than 50% efficient when it is burning its fuel. Not many hot water
heating installation companies know, or are concerned with how much electricity is being used to power
their gas boilers.
ERS specializes in high efficiency heating systems that do not consume high amounts of electricity. We
are unique in that we have lived in off grid homes with these systems. We live with and install hot water
heating and solar hot water systems. While not recommended for very small alternative energy systems,
most medium and large systems should be able to handle the additional electrical load of one of our high
efficiency systems. Due to Triangle Tube's Prestige gas boiler we can now design systems that consume
around 100 watts/hr during the run time. This is coupled with a boiler that is rated at 92% and is capable
of 98% for low temperature applications. With proper design a one pump system can heat a well insulated
home upwards of 4000 square feet with a low temperature heat distribution system. The Prestige boiler
offers virtually no pressure drop through its' unique heat exchanger. This allows the on board pump to do
all the pumping. While not quite the highest rated boiler(Viessmann Vitodens is at 95%) the
Prestige(92%) offers great design flexibility.
Solar hot water systems typically don't use very much electricity, only 50-75 watts per hour during
operation. ERS does not recommend using DC pumps running directly off of a small solar panel. While
DC pumps can be more efficient, a control is still needed. Just because the solar panel is making
electricity does not mean the solar collector is warmer than the tank. ERS likes to design and sell systems
that offer complete control. This is most easily done with a 3 speed AC pump and a solar control. AC
pumps are normally much less expensive as well. Add another panel for your system. Spend your money
on your solar electricity array, not on small panels that do nothing other than run a little pump.
Vitodens with solar preheat. Busy wall!