Micro-grid pv system hybrid hot water heater

Abstract

Provided herein are systems and methods (i.e., utilities) that allow for the use of non-grid tied renewable energy systems (e.g., PV arrays and/or wind turbines) without requiring battery banks. In various aspects, these utilities permit the efficient use of renewable energy systems to generate electrical power as well as the ability to dynamically direct where such electrical power is applied.

1 . A water heating system incorporating at least one heating element connected to a PV system and at least one heating element connected to a utility power source, comprising:
 a water tank having a first heating element and a second heating element;   a first power source attached to the first heating element, including;
 a photovoltaic (PV) array; 
 a first switch electrically connected to the PV array for receiving electrical power from the PV array and selectively applying said electrical power to the first heating element; 
 a first thermostat for monitoring a temperature in the tank that is operatively connected to the switch, wherein power is applied to the first heating element from the PV array in response to an output of the first thermostat; 
   a second thermostat for monitoring a temperature in the tank that is operatively connected to the second heating element, wherein the second heating element is connectable to utility power source and said second thermostat is operative to activate and deactivate the second heating element.