Description

This report compares a select number of promising new, easily retrofittable water heating technologies.

These water heating systems make use of photovoltaic panels to supplement or replace the usual reticulated energy requirements.

The promising technologies are compared to the most common water heating systems operating in homes (single element hot water cylinder) and also the most efficient current technology (split air-to-water heat pump).

Various hot water draw-off profiles are assessed to better understand the energy performance characteristics of these technologies and utility provided. The practical implications of retrofit are also discussed.

The results of this report could be used as the basis for considering the financial returns possible with these different types of water heating systems.