An off-grid water heater is a savior for off-gridders who need constant access to warm water, especially during winter. However, several options are available, including gas, propane, electric, solar-powered, and wood-burning water heaters. The gas-powered system is the most convenient and least complicated, but it emits harmful gases that can potentially affect your health.
Solar-powered water heaters convert sunlight into electricity, and you can heat water even on cloudy days if there is sunlight available. But installing them is a bit costly and requires proper planning. Solar generators are the best alternatives as they are efficient, reliable, safe, and emit no harmful gases. And Jackery Solar Generators are the best out there that can power your electric water heaters for hours.
Key Takeaways
- Off-grid water heaters are a reliable way to get a warm water supply in remote locations.
- These appliances don’t rely on traditional electrical grids, help decrease carbon emissions, and can be customized to individual needs.
- Different types of off-grid water heaters include propane gas, water, electric, solar, and wood-burning water heaters.
- The power consumption of a water heater depends on the type of fuel it uses. For example, the power consumption of an electric water heater is around 1500-6000 watts; for solar heaters, it’s around 300-600 watts, while gas heaters don’t consume any power.
What Is The Off Grid Water Heater
In off-grid living, people get away from the traditional power grid and other utilities such as water, gas, etc. As a result, your conventional water heating systems won’t be of any use here, and you will need off-grid portable heaters. These versatile and compact devices heat water on demand, so you can have your warm water to drink, wash dishes, and have a warm shower even when you’re off the grid.
Importance of Off-Grid Water Heater
Off-grid water heaters can be your savior, especially when you choose a cold place to stay off-grid. The importance of these water heaters is as follows:
- These water heaters reduce reliance on public utilities, which typically aren’t available in remote areas.
- The use of renewable power sources helps decrease harmful emissions compared to traditional heaters that run fossil fuels.
- In remote areas, connecting to a local or state-installed water heating infrastructure can be expensive. An off-grid water heater eliminates this need.
- Many such heaters are customized to suit specific needs, whether for tiny homes or larger properties, ensuring optimal resource efficiency.
Types of Off-Grid Water Heaters
While there are various types of off-grid water heaters out there, ensuring their efficiency and reliability is essential. This section details some of the commonly used off the grid water systems for you to make an informed decision:
Propane Water Heater
Propane water heaters are popular amongst off-gridders due to their convenience and efficiency. It works like any other water heater, except it uses propane instead of electricity or natural gas. Whenever you turn on your water faucets or pour water into the heater, a flow sensor activates and starts the propane gas burner. The heating continues until you turn off the faucet, and any excess gas or exhaust created during heating comes out through ventilation.
When selecting a propane heater to get an ample supply of hot water all the time, it’s crucial to consider its heating capacity. It determines how much water it heats at a time and is crucial for larger households where people need hot water simultaneously. Other than that, it must be easy to use and maintain. Look for features like adjustable temperature settings and easy access to components to clean and repair them seamlessly.
Pros
- Better option than electric heaters in terms of installation and maintenance cost
- Higher recovery efficiency
- Cleaner burn than diesel or gasoline
- Compact in size and portable
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons
- Emits carbon monoxide gas, which can be dangerous
- Requires regular clean-up and maintenance
Solar Water Heater
Solar water heating systems are a cost-effective way to heat the water supply with the power of the sun. It comprises a storage tank, solar panels, and a heat transfer system. And the way it works is simple: the PV cells of the solar panel convert sunlight into heat which is transferred into the water tank. You can even heat the water on cloudy days if sunlight is available, but the heating capacity may be reduced significantly.
The nice thing about these heaters is that they comprise no moving parts that can break down, so the unit needs less or no maintenance.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Cost savings on a longer run
- Uses clean fuel with almost zero emissions
- Requires less to low maintenance
Cons
- Initial installation cost is high
- Dependence on sunlight
Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters use electricity as fuel to heat your household water supply, either with tank or tankless water heaters. It uses an electrical resistor that converts electrical energy into heat energy and heats the water. Some water heaters boast a dual design where the upper element heats the top water level while the lower element heats the rest of the water. This design ensures an efficient heating process and a steady hot water supply.
However, when going off-grid, you disconnect from a traditional power source and need a battery backup solution to power these heaters. Jackery Solar Generators are one of the best out there, as they’re portable, safe, effective, reliable, and can power your heaters for hours.
Pros
- Efficient use of energy
- Low upfront costs
- Safe to operate
- Compact and easily installable
- These are more readily available
Cons
- High operating costs
- Relatively slow heating time
- Susceptible to power outage
Gas Water Heater
A gas water heater uses gas as a fuel to fire up the burner and heat the water in a tank. The gas can be a Liquified Natural Gas (LPG), natural gas, or simulated natural gas. So as the burner fires up, it heats the water at the bottom of the tank and the heated water rises and flows through the water pipes.
The tank is insulated to keep the water warm for hours, and a thermostat regulates water temperature. When the hot water gets used up, the tank is filled with cold water.
Pros
- Gas water heaters are efficient
- Easy access to fuel in remote locations
- Low upfront costs
- Easy to install
Cons
- Emits harmful gases
- Operating costs can be high
Wood Burning Water Heater
Wood-burning water heaters are a popular choice amongst off-gridders due to the use of wood as a fuel source, which is readily available. These are compact and portable, ideal for camping or remote locations.
Its working principle is similar to gas water heaters, except you burn wood to heat the water. Here, as water at the bottom heats up, it moves up and passes into the hot water pipes.
An advantage of these heaters is their versatility. You can use them in various settings, such as cabins, tiny homes, and RVs. Besides, you can use the warm water for multiple purposes, such as cooking, showering, and cleaning.
Pros
- Converts 55-77% of the energy they use
- Helps reduce carbon footprint
- Withstand cold winters without affecting performance
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Finding enough wood can be difficult sometimes
- Wood smoke can cause wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks
Off Grid Water Heater Power Consumption
How many watts a water heater uses depends on its size and unit type. The larger the appliance, the more power it consumes, and vice versa. Here are the different types of off-grid water heater and their respective wattage:
Electric Water Heaters: The power consumption of these water heaters depends on the amount of water they can store in gallons. Typically, it ranges between 1500 and 6000 watts. Small heaters with lesser capacity have lower wattage and vice versa.
Gas Water Heaters (propane, natural gas, or LPG): These don’t rely on electricity to heat the water, so power consumption or wattage doesn’t apply to these.
Woodless Water Heaters: Similar to gas water heaters, these rely on wood as a fuel and don’t require electricity.
Solar Water Heaters: Solar heaters utilize the sun’s energy to heat the water. Some of its components that control the system and circulate water typically use around 300 to 600 watts.
Here’s a table for the wattage of an electrical heater respective to its capacity:
|
Gallon |
Watts |
Cost/Month |
|
30 |
3500W |
$33.60 |
|
40 |
4500W |
$43.20 |
|
50 |
5500W |
$52.80 |
Note: Assuming the average electricity rates of 16 cents per kWh and the water heater runs two hours a day.
So, Cost = Wattage * Running Hours * Average Electricity Rates
Cost= 5.5kW * 60H * $0.16 = $52.80
Even if you’re using traditional electricity, powering your electric water heater with Jackery Solar Generators is smart. Not only is it good for the environment, but you also save a lot on the monthly electric bills.
How to Charge An Off-Grid Water Heater
Solar power is a great choice for powering your off-grid water heater, and solar generators are the best way to utilize that. These enable you to use the appliance even when the sun isn’t shining as they store power for later use. Also, these are fumes and noise-free, making them a green and sustainable option.
Jackery is a leading manufacturer of solar generators, portable power stations, and foldable solar panels. The Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations combine to form a Jackery Solar Generator. It collects, converts, and connects to your water heaters to power them for hours. Below are the three popular Jackery Solar Generators for electric water heaters.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
If you have a family of 4-5 members who need around 5-6 gallon hot water on an everyday basis, then Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro should suffice. Its high battery capacity can power your 120V water heaters for long hours. It features a foldable handle and double wheels, so you can carry it anywhere around the home and charge 99% of your household appliances.
Appliance Running Hours
- Heat Pump Water Heater (800W): 3.2H
- Solar Water Heater (600W): 4.3H
- Portable Water Heater (1000W): 2.6H
- Electric Water Heater (1800W): 1.4H
Customer Review: “We took our Explorer 3000 Pro with us on a dry camping trip, and it was a total success. Instead of having to rely on our generator like we normally do, the Jackery literally carried any load we needed it to, and the solar recharging was awesome!”- Andrew Bowman.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you need a solar generator that can handle most of your 120V water heaters and can act as an emergency home backup solution, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a great option. Its battery capacity is enough to power heaters that consume up to 1500W per hour. Besides that, its ergonomic, compact, and portable design lets you carry it anywhere. When you aren’t charging the water heater, use it to power 99% of your household appliances.
Appliance Running Hours
- Heat Pump Water Heater (800W): 2.2H
- Solar Water Heater (600W): 2.9H
- Portable Water Heater (1000W): 1.7H
- Electric Water Heater (1500W): 1.1H
Customer Review: “Working on a small build that still does not have power. This generator has been a great addition to my tools and has power to run miter saws, table saw, and paint sprayer, all the while charging batteries for my power tools.”- Redge Hudson.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit is two Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Stations connected in parallel and is ideal for a large family that needs plenty of warm water. Its large battery capacity means it can power 240V water heaters with wattage of up to 6000 watts, and you have a reliable supply of hot water most of the time. Besides, its advanced safety features ensure your water heater works issue-free.
Appliance Running Hours
- Heat Pump Water Heater (800W): 4.3H
- Solar Water Heater (600W): 5.8H
- Portable Water Heater (1000W): 3.5H
- Electric Water Heater (1800W): 1.9H
- Tankless Water Heater (3000W): 1.2H
Customer Review: “Set up on a partly sunny day to test and perform very well. Operated various appliances, including a mid-sized electric heater. Performed as expected. Purchased for emergency situations, and I believe it will do the job.”- Julie Botsko.
How to Choose The Best Off-Grid Water Heater
When choosing the best off-grid water heater, you must consider many factors, such as portability, fuel source, ease of use, and heating capacity. These are detailed as follows:
Portability and Size
Portability and size is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing an off-grid water heater. As these are designed to use in remote locations, ensure that they are compact and lightweight. This way, you can carry them anywhere you move.
Other than that, the water heater must be well-sized to best suit your needs. For personal use, a small-sized heater should suffice, while for a large family, you’ll need a large-capacity heater. To help you decide on size, here’s a table comparing sizes of various water heaters:
|
Water Heater Model |
Weight (lbs) |
Dimensions (inches) |
|
Model A |
10 |
12 x 8 x 6 |
|
Model B |
15 |
14 x 10 x 7 |
|
Model C |
8 |
10 x 6 x 4 |
Please note when deciding on the size and portability, it’s crucial to find the right balance between capacity and convenience.
Fuel Source
Other than portability and size, fuel source is yet another aspect to consider in an off-grid water heater. It determines how to power it up and what resources you need. Multiple options are available in this respect:
- Propane Water Heaters: These are powered by propane gas, which is readily available and convenient. Besides, they’re known for their higher recovery efficiency and cleaner burn but emit a harmful carbon-monoxide gas.
- Wood Burning Water Heaters: If you seek a sustainable and traditional option, these are a great choice. Wood as a fuel is readily available irrespective of where you’re located. But the smoke can be a bit bad for your health.
- Solar Water Heaters: Solar water heaters use sunlight to heat up the water. The fuel source is readily available, sustainable, and good for the environment. Installing them, however, requires a high upfront cost.
When selecting a water heater depending on the fuel they use, consider factors such as cost, availability, and environmental impact. Also, select one that aligns with your values and needs.
Heating Capacity
Heating capacity refers to the time a water heater takes to heat a certain quantity of water. It’s usually measured in Gallons per Minute (GPM), and the higher the value, the better your appliance.
Your house type and needs, however, determine the heating capacity. For instance, if you have a small family and you only need water for basics such as drinking, showering, or camping, a small-capacity heater should suffice. On the other hand, for a large family with extra and more tasks, you need a high-capacity water heater. So, to determine the required heating capacity, consider what and how much you need the warm water, as well as the climate conditions.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Lastly, your chosen water heater should be easy to use and maintain. You probably wouldn’t want to rely on an expert technician to fix even the slightest of issues every time.
Now, different water heaters require different levels of user-friendliness and maintenance requirements. For example, solar water heaters have fewer moving parts, so there’s almost no need to maintain them except to clean them periodically to avoid dust deposition on solar panels. On the other hand, gas heaters are comparatively high maintenance but cost less than their solar counterparts. So, weigh in on your respective factors and make your decisions accordingly.
Off Grid Water Heater FAQs
What size solar generator do I need for my off-grid water heater?
The size of a solar generator for your off-grid water heater depends on the type and how long you’re powering it. For example, you have a tankless water heater (3000W) to power with your Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit.
So, Working Time = Capacity of Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances.
Working Time= 4085.6 × 0.85/3000 = 1.2H
Note: While charging the devices, there is some power loss. Hence, we have multiplied the overall battery capacity by 0.85.
How can you heat water without a water heater?
Other than a water heater, you can use a wood stove or fire with a fuel source such as charcoal, wood, or gas to heat the water.
How do I get running water in my off-grid house?
You can use an off-grid water pump to get running water in your off-grid house. It can be manual, solar-powered, wind-powered, and battery-powered.
How do you heat water with solar panels?
Solar water heaters use solar panels to convert the sun’s energy into heat and warm the water. You can also store the produced electricity to power the heaters without sunlight.
How can I heat water without electricity camping?
You can use Jackery Solar Generators to power your water heaters even when there’s no power source in proximity.
Final Thoughts
Off-grid water heaters are practical solutions to gain continuous access to hot water in remote locations. Amongst the available types, solar water heaters are an environmentally friendly option that utilizes clean sun’s energy and a sustainable alternative, while propane water heaters offer convenience and quick heating. Or you can use an electric water heater paired with a reliable Jackery Solar Generator to ensure a constant supply of warm water for hours.
If you plan to go off-grid, especially in cold locations, you must make arrangements to access warm water. Share the type of water heater you’re using alongside other appliances so we can suggest the best battery backup solution.
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