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Clipping about 8-10kwh of solar production every sunny afternoon because my Anker E10 with 2 packs is full by 1pm and I have nowhere to put the rest. No net metering in my area so it's genuinely wasted. Looking for ideas on productive dump loads that can absorb afternoon excess without costing more to install than they save.
What I've considered: Heat pump water heater, probably the best ROI since I'm paying gas for hot water now. A 50 gallon HPWH uses about 3-4kwh per day and a timer could restrict it to solar surplus hours. But install means running a 30A circuit and doing the plumbing swap. Resistive element in a buffer tank, cheaper to DIY but less efficient. Could dump 4.5kw directly into a tank with a relay triggered by battery SOC. 3rd battery pack, $2,500 before credit. More storage but I'd still fill 3 packs by 2pm in summer and have the same problem.
What are other people doing with excess? I feel like I'm leaving money on the ground every afternoon.
What I've considered: Heat pump water heater, probably the best ROI since I'm paying gas for hot water now. A 50 gallon HPWH uses about 3-4kwh per day and a timer could restrict it to solar surplus hours. But install means running a 30A circuit and doing the plumbing swap. Resistive element in a buffer tank, cheaper to DIY but less efficient. Could dump 4.5kw directly into a tank with a relay triggered by battery SOC. 3rd battery pack, $2,500 before credit. More storage but I'd still fill 3 packs by 2pm in summer and have the same problem.
What are other people doing with excess? I feel like I'm leaving money on the ground every afternoon.
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