Radiant Heat (floor, tank, stoves, electricity)

[hawk1]

We are in the early phases of designing a new 2,400 sq. ft. one-story house in New Mexico @ 7,000 ft. elevation.

We might have solar electric grid tie-in. We definitely have a couple wood-burning stoves for back-up heat. Brick paver floor thoughout.

My questions are about radiant heat which we would like to have throughout the entire house.

Which kind to have, electric or hydronic? Would electric make the most sense with solar electric power?

Any and all comments welcome.......

[PNW-type-gal]

Hydronic with solar thermal makes much more sense than trying to use PV. You'll probably need a large storage tank as well.

If you haven't already, find your local solar association for references. The main NM organization is:
NMSEA - New Mexico Solar Energy Association

[BobKovacs]

Electric heat is typically the most expensive to operate, as even though it is 100% efficient, it take a lot of power to generate the heat. I don't even want to think about the size of the solar array you'd need to power 2,400sf of radiant heat.....

[chet everett]

There are some excellent resources in NM and nationally about incorporating non-traditional options into the design process for new construction.

I agree with others that hydronic radiant heat is far and away more likely to work in your situation, various kinds of heat pumps with geo-therm and / or solar (passive or active) heating would be worth investigating.

The DOE sites are very good starting place ands many of the even PhD types will answer emails and such to guide you on your way...

[hawk1]

Thanks to all. Very serious about this but only in the very early stages of learning, researching, planning our options. Thanks again!

[M3 Mitch]

The one thing I would point out is that using electricity generated by photovoltaics, and then stored in batteries, or similar, to run resistance type electric heaters, even for a cooking stove, is not going to be cost-competitive with using a fuel, such as gas, or wood.

A self-sufficient photovoltaic system only makes (economic) sense if you are located where mains power is not available.

[d4g4m]

Before you go overboard with all that 'green' stuff, you should include doing a cost/benefit analysis. You'll probably find that you will have to live in the house for 125 years for pay back.