Help! With solar

[Rik]

I'm preparing to add solar to my home. I'd like it to suplement my existing heat, I can't put in a wood stove so I have propane. I am thinking about 2 45watt panels and 6 golf cart batteries. 6 VDC, 220 amp/hours. I'm trying figure out how long this setup with a full charge will power a 450 heater (assume running costant)I can also charge batteries with grid power if needed, Our Electricty is cheap, Our propane is not.I live in Northern NV. 7200 elev. I've done what I can making the house efficient but not a lot can be done short of shelling out more than I have for an electric furnace.

Thanks,

Rik

[wdyasq]

PV panels to resistance heating or even to a heat pump is not an efficient method of heating.  Check out:

http://builditsolar.com/

If you are in a high sun area and have a properly built and oriented house you should need little more than solar heat. If properly designed, it can probably be passively heated.

Ron

[AbyssUnderground]

With that setup you can run the heater for less than 1 hour per day. Its just not worth trying to run a heater from solar PV.

Like wdyasq said, you're better off using solar heating.

[Rik]

Thanks for the replies, I'm not sure solar heating will help much at 30 below though. I just wat to cut the propane bills a bit.