Peninsula Clean Energy and Harvest Thermal Demonstrate Cutting-Edge, All-Electric Heat and Hot Water Systems

REDWOOD CITY, CA – March 15, 2022 – Peninsula Clean Energy has partnered with Bay Area-based Harvest Thermal, Inc., to install ultra-efficient, all-electric space heating and hot water systems as part of a broader effort to replace methane gas-powered furnaces and other appliances.

At no cost, four Peninsula Clean Energy customers are receiving a cutting-edge Harvest Pod™ system that operates a single heat pump to deliver both home heating and hot water. The system can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent compared with methane gas and 50 percent compared with standard heat pump systems.

The “Pod” is a smart device that operates the heat pump during off-peak times when electricity is cleaner and more affordable. It turns the hot water tank into a thermal battery, closely monitoring, storing, and delivering heat and hot water for customer use whenever needed. Incorporating the latest weather forecasts and energy needs, and using machine learning to optimize performance, the system reduces energy bills and maximizes customer comfort.

The demonstration will show how this new system can lower the cost of upgrading homes by reducing the need for service upgrades, and lower heating bills by up to 40 percent from homes that are currently hooked up to gas.

It also offers a “filtration mode” for clean indoor air on smoggy and smoky days, and “night cooling” to create a gentle indoor breeze on warm evenings.

The demonstration program will provide Peninsula Clean Energy with data to further promote energy use when renewable power sources are more plentiful during the day and relieve stress on the grid during evening peaks.

“This is an unmet need to advance electrification and a really important area for us not only locally but beyond,” saidPortola Valley Council Member Jeff Aalfs, who also serves on Peninsula Clean Energy’s board of directors. “We are pleased to help bring this critical innovation into the market.”

“The Harvest team is excited to partner with Peninsula Clean Energy to bring ultra-efficient heating and hot water to their customers,” Harvest Thermal CEO and co-founder Dr. Jane Melia said. “The transition to a low-carbon economy to fight climate change is urgent and important. But it can also be achievable, safe, and comfortable while reducing energy bills, as this program will help demonstrate.”

“Knowing the Harvest Thermal system uses machine learning to optimize electricity use during off-peak time periods, while still maximizing performance, is very exciting,” said Ray Tam, who received a Harvest Pod system for his home in Daly City.