You could reduce a lot of wasted energy by setting up a separate solar hot water system, they're very simple designs, basically just lots of black plastic pipe.

This way any hot water used during most days wouldn't require electricity for a typical hot water tank.

The video below shows how simple the project can be.





solar water heater simple DIY project - YouTube

Hi yukon,

Thanks for video and link, this is the kind of info I am looking for. Lots of feedback from practical implementations and ideas.

Thanks again

Some of our neighbors have self-contained lights which collect energy by day and shine all night. No wires at all.

Hi David Beroff,

I have considered that option, but I am looking for more direct control via timer/switch etc for lighting.

Security will obviously be controlled via infra red sensors. What I am trying to achieve is all external power use (lighting, security and sprinkler system) feed of solar which are to be mounted on a large roof space, with addition of hot water for a shower on the 4th floor.

So thanks again for your suggestion.