Panasonic has unveiled a new product in Japan with a PV-based charging function that uses a heat pump and hot water storage unit to save energy by maintaining bathwater temperatures at constant levels.

From April 20, Japan's Panasonic will start offering a new air-source heat pump that can be combined with residential rooftop solar for water heating.

The Eco Cute solution includes a heat pump and hot water storage unit that purportedly saves energy by maintaining bathwater temperatures at a constant level. It also helps homeowners to save energy at night by using heat from their bathwater. In addition, the device reduces energy and water use.

The product features a solar charging function that uses surplus electricity generated and stored from PV sources. It can use electricity to boil water during the night or day, said Panasonic.

The new product also has an “emergency boiling” function that is activated when disaster warnings or bad weather warnings are issued. This means the water continues to boil automatically, so the tank is always filled with hot water.

“Therefore, hot water can be secured in case of a power outage or water outage,” said Panasonic.

The new product was developed with Tepco Energy Partner, an electricity retailer owned by Japanese utility Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco). Panasonic said the heat pump is compatible with a new Tepco electricity rate plan for solar self-consumption.

“ A normal heat pump water heater boils hot water at night, but the EcoCute product heats water with electricity generated in the daytime,” said Panasonic.

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.

More articles from Emiliano Bellini

This article gives very little sensible information. Not a good standard from a supposed PV expert reporter.

In the end it all depends on the price and pay back. The 410W consumption looks attractive but there are other factors to consider. Why would one not use a simple electric storage hot water unit that heats (hopefully not boil as the article mentions) the water from PV inverter generated power during day time instead of feeding back excess to the grid. On days of low PV generation it could heat at night from grid power at off peak rate. There are many low cost devices in market provided by Inverter installers for this function. Also many would be requiring something like this for replacement of their gas storage hot water units. Would be harder to find enough space for both units (as shown in picture).

I am sorry, Emiliano, this article does not make sense in many ways. First, no one “boils” water for bathing or normal home use. It would kill you quickly. We heat water. The CDC says we need to get our water heaters to 140ºF for safety to kill bacteria but the CPSC says they should be set to a maximum of 120ºF to prevent scalding. There is also a Temperature and Pressure relief valve on the tank that will release hot water if it exceeds 180ºF. My guess is the unit uses a tempering valve to allow super-heating of the tank to about 160ºF and delivers the water at 120ºF creating an effective storage greater than the tank capacity.

Also, it is never made clear what kind of solar you are referencing, thermal or PV. There is a big difference. Heat pump water heating is the best kept secret of the energy world and word needs to get out about them. First, though, clear, logical explanations need to be written and this, article is more confusing than enlightening.

Hi Hal, this is intended for PV generation.

Although we are at the cusp of our Spring season, winter weather is still hanging on as of now. There can still be cold, wet days where we will need our heating systems to keep us nice and cozy in our homes. Don’t neglect your heating system now. If you’ve noticed that it could use some TLC, call your local heating professional for service. http://www.Air4UAC.com

Please be mindful of our community standards.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.

Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.

You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.

Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.

Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy © pv magazine 2022

This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. View our privacy policy. ×

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.