PV Direct
Simple Solutions
What is PV Direct?
PV Direct systems are simple solar solutions that require no batteries, charge controllers, or inverters. Generally, you just connect your panels directly to your appliance/element. PV Direct systems are easy to install and have a quick payback time! You can start using PV Direct to supply power for your air conditioning, hot water, aeration system and more with the option to add on later. It is a straight and simple path to free, clean, and independent energy.
How We Can Help
Education
Follow Scott (Engineer775) on YouTube as he installs various PV Direct systems and explains the benefits of them
Plan and Design
We help our customers plan and design their systems the right way.
Products
We offer all the major components to PV Direct Systems in our online store
Installation
Our team of experts installs systems all over the USA!
Our PV Direct Systems
Solar Hybrid Water Heaters
Solar Direct Hot Water Controller
This simple PV Direct system provides you with solar hybrid hot water with only your existing water tank, PV panels, a hot water controller. Solar energy runs to the controller, which provides MPPT and prevents arcing for your thermostat. The controller is wired directly to the lower part of the heat tank. You can use the heat produced by the PV Direct system for all of your hot water, and only rely on the grid when your usage exceeds your solar production. Start your consultation
(includes hot water controller, panels, panel mounting, PV cable)
Sun Bandit Water Heater
The Sun Bandit® is an independent, 0ff-grid system that provides your primary hot water, while your home’s electricity, natural gas, or propane serves as a backup source. This system requires no plumbing, making it especially ideal for homes in cold climates. The Sun Bandit® is easy to install, highly efficient, scaleable, and can operate during power outages. You’ll love saving big bucks on your utility bill while still having the grid as a back-up source.
Depending on the size and location of the system, an 80 gallon Sun Bandit® solar hybrid water heater with a water temperature of 160ºF can deliver 100 gallons of hot water at 120ºF to points of use — a 25% increase in energy storage! Start your consultation today for help designing the system you need
Solar Direct Air Conditioning
The ACDC12C is designed for low cost, easy installation and a fast payback. This unique solar air conditioning technology requires no batteries, no inverter, no controller – just plug in the solar panels and start saving up to more than 80% on daytime cooling or heating costs. In addition to cooling, the ACDC12C solar heat pump will provide solar powered heating. Start your consultation
(includes ACDC12C Unit, panels, panel mounting, PV cable)
Solar Direct Aeration System
Aeration systems help with algae control, fish health, mosquitoes, odors, and more. This Solar Aeration System provides all the benefits of traditional aeration without the costly batteries, AC wiring, and ongoing expense of grid power. Even during cloudy conditions, they provide low-maintenance, high-volume Solar Aeration on any site. Applications include fish ponds, livestock watering, golf courses, and many more! Start your consultation
(includes complete compressor system, panels, panel mounting, enclosure base assembly, diffusers, weighted hose, and PV Cable)
Solar Direct Water Pumping
SQFlex Pump
The Grundfos SQFlex is our favorite pump. This pump can run both AC and DC power without requiring an external inverter. The pump system offers the perfect water supply solution in remote areas where water is scarce and the power supply is non-existent or unreliable. You also have the option to install this with back-up batteries or generators that can take over when the energy from nature is not available. Start your consultation
(includes 6SQF-3 pump, CU200 controller, IO101 Generator Interface, pressure switch, solar panels, panel mounting, Cable, and connectors)
PicoBlender
During full solar irradiance, the PicoBlender will draw maximum power from the PV array. As cloud cover or impending darkness reduce the level of solar irradiance, the system automatically makes up the difference by drawing from the grid. Once it’s dark, the system can draw all of its power from the grid. In high energy cost areas this allows for both power firming during the day and full nighttime operation while consuming as little power from the grid as possible. Typical applications include swimming pool pumps, well pumps, solar decorative fountains, aerators and waste water treatment systems. Start your consultation
Cost: $3,450
(includes PicoBlender 2500)
PicoCell
This system is a soft start Variable Frequency Drive Technology running on solar power. The PicoCell 3500 universal controller can power motors, pumps, compressors or other inductive loads regardless of whether it is 50HZ or 60HZ, 120Vac or 240Vac. Designed for remote off-grid installations, the weather proof all aluminum chassis/heat sink is IP65 rated for harsh outdoor environments and can operate in high temperatures, humidity and corrosive environments. Start your consultation
Cost: $4,000
(includes PicoCell 3500)
Get Started on Your Project!
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Scott Hunt
Scott Hunt is the owner of Practical Preppers® LLC and an expert on sustainable living. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York (1992). Scott is a sustainable living design engineer specializing in off-grid water and energy systems.
“As a Prepper I strive towards self sufficiency, energy efficiency, alternative energy, conservation and helping others do the same.” – Scott Hunt
