Photovoltaics with heating element

Photovoltaics with heating element as a complete system from PVundSO

Excess solar power can be intelligently used for hot water preparation. A PV system with an immersion heater converts unused energy directly into heat, significantly increasing self-consumption. At PVundSO, you receive complete systems that include all necessary components. The systems consist of high-quality solar modules, a powerful immersion heater, and the appropriate control technology.

Integration is achieved directly into existing hot water storage tanks via standardized flange connections. A PV heating element operates with power outputs between 2 kW and 9 kW and automatically adjusts to the available solar power. The intelligent control system continuously monitors electricity generation and activates the PV heating element precisely when sufficient surplus power is available. This increases the energy self-sufficiency of typical households by 15 to 25 percentage points. All products comply with VDE standards and undergo functional testing before shipping. Free shipping is available throughout Germany for orders over €100.

Buy a PV system with a heating element and permanently reduce energy costs

The combination of photovoltaics with an immersion heater significantly reduces expenses for gas or heating oil. A typical single-family home with four people requires approximately 3.000 kWh of thermal energy annually for hot water. At an average gas price of 12 cents per kWh, this results in costs of €360. A PV system with an immersion heater covers 60 to 80 percent of this with solar power, enabling savings of €215 to €290 per year.

The payback period for an immersion heater for a PV system is 4 to 7 years, depending on the system size and hot water consumption. At PVundSO, complete sets with 6 solar modules and a 2 kW immersion heater start at just €1.499. The my-PV immersion heaters operate continuously and utilize even small surpluses starting at 200 watts. A 3 kWp PV immersion heater system generates enough energy on sunny summer days to heat 150 to 200 liters of hot water to 55 degrees Celsius. The long-term savings amount to €4.300 to €5.800 over 20 years, not including future price increases for fossil fuels.

Efficiently generate hot water with a photovoltaic heating element

A photovoltaic heating element achieves efficiencies of 98 to 99 percent in converting electricity into heat. Direct electrical heating avoids conversion losses that occur with thermal solar collectors due to heat exchangers. The photovoltaic heating element integrates into existing buffer storage tanks with volumes between 200 and 500 liters. Standard 1,5-inch threaded flanges allow for installation without complex modifications.

Temperature control is achieved via precise sensors that prevent overheating and optimize storage stratification. Hot water with a photovoltaic heating element is available even during multiple consecutive draw-offs, as modern storage tanks maintain volumes of up to 400 liters at usable temperature. A 3 kW photovoltaic heating element requires approximately 4 hours to heat 300 liters from 15 to 55 degrees Celsius. Diemy-PV DC ELWA models operate directly with direct current and achieve higher efficiency by eliminating the need for an inverter. PVundSO's product range includes AC versions for grid-connected systems and DC versions for off-grid systems with battery storage.

Heating times vary depending on the initial water temperature and the insulation of the storage tank. On sunny days between April and September, just 4 to 5 hours of sunshine are sufficient for complete heating using photovoltaic immersion heater systems. During the winter months, the existing gas or oil burner supports hot water production when solar power is insufficient.

Heating element for PV system for intelligent use of excess energy

The control system for a PV surplus heating element monitors the current feed-in via an external energy meter. As soon as the household's base load is covered and a surplus is generated, the power manager activates the photovoltaic heating element for hot water seamlessly. The my-PV AC-THOR control unit communicates with the inverter via Wi-Fi and adjusts the heating output in 50-watt increments. This dynamic adjustment prevents grid power consumption and maximizes self-consumption.

A photovoltaic-powered heating element prioritizes periods of excess energy production between 10 a.m. and 16 p.m., when solar output is at its highest. Integrated temperature monitoring stops the heating process once the target temperature is reached, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. The my-PV systems available from PVundSO store consumption data for 365 days and visualize potential savings in the accompanying app. Prioritization among multiple appliances is managed via configurable rules, ensuring that the heating element is activated after the washing machine or dishwasher, for example.

Retrofitting existing systems requires only the installation of the heating element in the storage tank and its connection to the power manager. For new systems, direct integration into the system planning is recommended. A 300-liter storage tank with a photovoltaic hot water heating element requires a minimum space allowance of 60 cm in height and 70 cm in diameter in the installation room. Installation must be carried out by qualified electricians who perform connections in accordance with DIN VDE 0100-410.

PV heating element complete systems with high-quality components

PVundSO offers complete sets with perfectly matched components for different power ranges. A typical configuration includes six bifacial solar modules, each with a nominal power output of 500 watts, a my-PV AC-THOR Power Manager with a 3 kW heating element, and the necessary mounting hardware. The bifacial modules increase the yield by up to 30 percent compared to monofacial modules due to reflection off light-colored surfaces.

The my-PV stainless steel heating elements resist limescale deposits and achieve operating times of over 15 years. The integrated temperature sensor measures the storage temperature with an accuracy of plus or minus 1 degree Celsius. AC-THOR models available from PVundSO control up to three heating circuits in parallel and allow for the integration of buffer storage tanks for heating support. The 0% VAT on all photovoltaic components reduces the purchase costs by 19 percent compared to regular prices.

Delivery is climate-neutral via DHL or freight carrier, with free parcel shipping for orders over €100. Freight shipping is free for orders over €899. Personal consultation is available at our Hildesheim location, and on-site pickup is possible by appointment. All systems undergo a visual inspection before shipping and reach customers throughout Germany within 5 to 8 business days.

Frequently asked questions about photovoltaics with heating element

How much solar power does a heating element for hot water require?

A 3 kW immersion heater requires approximately 14 kWh to heat 300 liters of water from 15 to 55 degrees Celsius. A 4 to 5 kWp photovoltaic system generates sufficient surplus energy on sunny days between April and September to fully supply hot water. During the winter months, the existing gas or oil burner provides supplemental power when solar energy production is insufficient.

Can a PV heating element be installed in any hot water storage tank?

Most hot water storage tanks have standardized 1,5-inch threaded flange connections, allowing for direct installation. Sufficient space is required for the heating element, which is typically between 30 and 50 cm long. Older tanks without these connections require a flange adapter or replacement with a compatible model. Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with DIN VDE 0100-410.

What is the payback period for a photovoltaic heating element system?

The payback period is typically 4 to 7 years, depending on the system size and hot water consumption. A four-person household saves between €215 and €290 annually on gas or heating oil costs with a PV system and immersion heater. With an investment of €1.500 to €2.000 for the immersion heater and control unit, the system pays for itself in about 6 years. The 0% VAT on photovoltaic components further reduces the payback period.