Today's rapidly changing market for off-grid installations has prompted manufacturers to develop innovative equipment. In recent years, it has been challenging to generate sufficient power to heat water. However, two products have been created that can heat hot water using 12V and solar energy.

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The first is a Fothermo 10-litre water heater boiler. It is an extremely simple installation. The tank is 280mm x 280mm x 440mm in size, very compact. It is wired to the leisure battery, which is being charged by the solar panel, or directly to a solar panel. Approximately 580 watts of power are needed to heat the water to 65 degrees. Once the heater has reached the desired temperature, it only takes power when needed. So, if the solar panel has fully charged the leisure battery, the panel is still producing a charge on a sunny day. The excess is sent to the boiler to keep it hot, thereby not wasting any energy produced.

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The second water heater is a Pundmann heater. This unit features a 200W 12V heating element and a 500W 230V heating element.

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Warm air heating is currently available in two types: LPG/Mains heaters, such as the Truma Combi boilers, or Propex blown air heaters, or diesel heaters. If you use a diesel heater, you can install under-floor heating.

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Available equipment and information  https://lpgshop.co.uk/

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This company provides LPG equipment, tanks, spares, and off-grid solutions.

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As with any 12-volt equipment, particularly heating or hot water systems, the amperage is significantly increased.  200 watts on 12-volt drawers, 16 amps of power. So, a 100 amp/h battery lasts about 5 hours if it is drawing 16 amps continuously.

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See my battery page to calculate power consumption.

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