I think there is a gap in the market for a new electronic device. The device should power a simple resistive water heating element using the energy from a solar PV array. This will allow for cost-effective and environmentally sound water heating. The device will use maximum power point tracking of the PV array to maximise power to the heating element at all times. Please see the attached document for the details.

I am particularly curious about:

1. Does the idea make sense/is there anything I am overlooking?
2. How much (approximately) would it cost to manufacture the device?
3. Would you get involved in an open-source hardware project to make this device a reality?

All of your comments/feedback will be greatly appreciated

 

IMO the power cost (total cash for the equipment over the lifetime of the system) per C increase in water temperature is overly optimistic but heating systems like that are already used as a dump load for PV/wind power systems when they have excess energy.

http://solarhomestead.com/hot-water-tank-heater-dump-load/