Solar Made Life Easy: Question & Answer : Part 1

Sun Questions & Answers

Question: 

Hello I have at spa/hot tub which holds approx. 1000ltrs water just wondering if you think it viable to incorporate a heater to the system to keep water temperature at a set temperature . the system has a 1.5kw heater witch switches on and off automatically when temperature drops 1 degree . full system running consumes 2.5kw (pumps and lights etc. ). Rather than having a 1.5kw heater switching on and off when needed I thought a smaller heater running continuously from free power might be worth doing even if it only helps a little. Any help or suggestions would be most welcome.
  
Answer:

Solar power can definitely help you here... but I would not recommend solar electricity: you would be better off investigating solar hot water systems.

Photovoltaic panels (which generate electricity from sunlight) tend to be between 6% and 15% efficient whereas solar hot water systems can be up to 70% efficient and tend to be cheaper to buy as well - at least in DIY form, especially if you spend some time shopping around for the best prices.

A solar hot water system incorporating a thermal switch should go a long way towards reducing your energy consumption. Exactly how big your system would need to be would depend on a number of factors - specifically whether your spa is indoors or outdoors; what months of the year you want to use your spa; where about in the world you are based.

Meanwhile, you can reduce your current electrical consumption by using energy saving lighting - I recently saw a swimming pool lit by LEDs which looked stunning and are extremely energy efficient.