Hello,
soon, a solar system to support the gas boiler will be installed on the roof of my new building. Currently, 2 people live in the house, but in the future, 2 more will likely join.
I am quite unsure about the size. Maybe you can share what you have chosen and your experiences with it?
I am considering 2 options:
Option 1: 3 collectors on the roof and a 400-liter (105-gallon) hot water storage tank in the basement. This would probably be the most cost-effective solution. However, I have concerns because a relatively large amount of fresh water is stored in the tank. With 2 people, it takes quite a while for the water to be fully replaced. Also, a hot water storage tank does not allow for heating support (although I am not yet sure if that is really cost-effective). It is also uncertain whether this solution can bridge a period of bad weather.
Option 2: 4 collectors on the roof and a 1000-liter (265-gallon) buffer storage tank with a hot water module. This is the more expensive and complex solution. However, I would not have hygiene concerns with this one. Heating support would also be possible. A period of bad weather would likely be better managed. But if it stays hot for a longer time, I might have problems storing the excess heat somewhere. That would also probably not be ideal for the panels on the roof...
What are your experiences? How long does your hot water last when the sun is not shining?
Best regards and thanks in advance!
soon, a solar system to support the gas boiler will be installed on the roof of my new building. Currently, 2 people live in the house, but in the future, 2 more will likely join.
I am quite unsure about the size. Maybe you can share what you have chosen and your experiences with it?
I am considering 2 options:
Option 1: 3 collectors on the roof and a 400-liter (105-gallon) hot water storage tank in the basement. This would probably be the most cost-effective solution. However, I have concerns because a relatively large amount of fresh water is stored in the tank. With 2 people, it takes quite a while for the water to be fully replaced. Also, a hot water storage tank does not allow for heating support (although I am not yet sure if that is really cost-effective). It is also uncertain whether this solution can bridge a period of bad weather.
Option 2: 4 collectors on the roof and a 1000-liter (265-gallon) buffer storage tank with a hot water module. This is the more expensive and complex solution. However, I would not have hygiene concerns with this one. Heating support would also be possible. A period of bad weather would likely be better managed. But if it stays hot for a longer time, I might have problems storing the excess heat somewhere. That would also probably not be ideal for the panels on the roof...
What are your experiences? How long does your hot water last when the sun is not shining?
Best regards and thanks in advance!
