Can Solar Panels Run Floor Heating Systems?
Yes! You can indeed enjoy warm floors during power outages with your solar system.
The demand for solar power has especially increased in South Africa due to extended load shedding schedules and power outages.
As South Africans, we have had no choice but to educate ourselves on energy consumption and ways to improve efficiency and lower running costs in our homes.
Thanks to our sunny South African skies in Winter, we can reap the considerable benefits that solar power has to offer.
We provide a simple explanation here to everyday questions we get asked about using Speedheat floor heating systems with solar panels.
Can Speedheat Electrical Floor Heating Systems Be Powered By Solar Panels?
Speedheat floor heating systems can easily be powered by solar systems. In fact, running a Speedheat floor heating system by solar will only improve the efficiency of the floor heating system. On a sunny day, you will essentially be running the heating system for free.
How Does Solar Electrical Floor Heating Work?
Solar panels effectively allow you to power almost any electrical appliance in your home, by converting sunlight into electricity. The power generated from solar panels can be used anyway you want.
Your floor heating system is managed just the same as any other electrical appliance – it’s that simple.
For example, a typical 10sqm bathroom-size underfloor heating system uses approximately 900 watts (800 watts if floor insulation is installed, due to the reduced energy wastage). This means that your floor heating should be treated like any other 900-watt appliance in your household when scheduling the use of your electrical appliances. If your solar system has the capacity, you can use it.
Taking this into consideration, you do need to think about when you plan to use your floor heating, and when you have access to the energy generated by your solar panels.
In the early mornings and evenings, there may not be enough sunlight to generate electricity through your panels, this will mean that you would make use of the energy stored in your battery.
If you are using solar panels to power your heating system in a living area, then you have the option of running your heating system throughout the day with your PV panels.
How Do I Optimize The Energy Consumption Of My Heating System?
All Speedheat systems are installed with thermostat controllers – once the heating system is warmed up, the thermostat will switch the heating on and off, to regulate the room temperature at a set point (desired) temperature. This way the system is not demanding a continuous supply of electric current, hereby reducing energy consumption. Read more on Thermostats.
Because the floor heating systems are quick response, it is important to understand that your heating system may be used in very much the same way you use your lights – switch off when not in use – this can also be done with a programmable thermostat.
Lastly, optimise the consumption of the heating system by ensuring that floor insulation is installed in combination with the heating – it reduces the power requirements, and also keeps rooms warm for much longer after the power is turned off.
Proper planning and scheduling of household appliances will ensure the capacity of your solar system is not exceeded, and you remain comfortable and warm.
What Are The Benefits Of Powering Your Floor Heating System With Solar?
The biggest benefit of using solar to power your floor heating is the reduced running costs. So, you enjoy paying less for energy over a long period of time. This also means you are reducing your home’s carbon footprint by relying less on “non-renewable” energy.
Lower running costs
Underfloor heating is highly efficient due to its even heat distribution and ability to run at a lower temperature. Whilst solar panels generate free energy from the sun. This combination reduces your electricity bills. In addition, the maintenance costs are also low for both solar panels and underfloor heating.
Green Living
Solar energy is a much cleaner source of energy. Underfloor heating has also been shown to be 15-20% more efficient compared to traditional heating systems. This is because most heaters need to run at a temperature of about 65-75 degrees celsius to heat the room. Less energy is needed to get the same results.
Health Benefits
Floor heating does not circulate dust particles or other allergens, therefore reducing respiratory conditions. It also decreases the number of dust mites by 80%, creating an environment with a higher level of heat.
Safe and child friendly
Zero risk of children touching hot surfaces and burning. Children can play freely on the floor. Heaters are hidden and silent.
Improved Comfort
One of the most distinct features of floor heating compared to using conventional stand-alone heaters, is how it provides even, consistent heat throughout the room. No cold corners with improved thermal comfort – we don’t want our head to feel hot while our feet feel cold.
In conclusion, all these advantages can be enjoyed with your solar system if managed properly.