Path-Q Solar
How much additional solar capacity might electric heating require?
Answer
Electric heating can materially increase annual electricity use. Estimate the added solar capacity by dividing expected annual heating electricity consumption in kWh by the solar system's expected annual production in kWh per installed kW.
Key points
- Heat pumps usually require less electricity than resistance heating for the same heat output.
- Use annual heating consumption, not just the heater's rated power, to estimate added solar.
- For example, 4,000 kWh of added annual heating use divided by an expected yield of 1,000 kWh per installed kW would indicate about 4 kW of additional solar capacity.
What it depends on
- Heating technology and efficiency
- Climate and home insulation
- Existing electricity use and solar production
Risks and trade-offs
- Oversizing for unusually cold years may reduce financial returns.
- Winter production may be low when heating demand is highest.
Information you may need
- Past or modeled heating electricity use
- Heater type and rated efficiency
- Expected annual solar production per installed kW
Your next step
What to do next
Obtain a whole-home annual usage estimate that includes the proposed heating system, then divide the added heating kWh by the site's expected annual solar yield per installed kW.
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