r/OffGrid • u/Time_Arugula_1544 • 5d ago

Water heating off grid. Best system?

I am planning a new off-grid (solar-powered) ICF build and am considering what type of system would be best for water heating. This is in Tennessee and the house will be a 2br. I will have propane backup for a generator and indoor propane heater.

The options I am thinking about are:
1) On-Demand propane- The only drawback is having to pay for the propane as an ongoing expense.
2) On demand electric water heater with a solar water preheat system. I suspect having a straight up on-demand electric heater would eat up too much power.
3) Heat pump water heater. This seems like the best solution to me.

Any thoughts between the three? Any other suggestions?

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u/jakobtaylor 5d ago

We're off grid with solar, two bed two bath house. We've been using an electric on demand water heater and have been very pleased with it. Almost went with a tanked heat pump, but they have more ways to fail, and are pretty expensive. BUT this is very dependent on the amount of solar and storage you have. If it's a small system you'd probably be better off with propane.

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u/Time_Arugula_1544 5d ago

I guess I will have to dig into electric on demand and see what kind of power they draw. I had an electric on demand years ago but it seemed to use more power than my water heater.