A major advantage of using a hydronic heating system for rural and off-grid homes, regardless of fuel type, is the low electrical usage required to operate them. Other than a few small zone valves, the only real electricity required is to operate a small circulating pump, which for most systems uses less energy than a 75-watt light bulb. This means a small pocket-sized inverter now available to power small AC entertainment or computer devices in your car and connected to an RV/marine deep-cycle battery would be able to power your entire home heating system during a power outage.
Seems like it definately would be possible to have this type of system powered via solar provided the PV system was designed property (with consideration toward inverter inefficiency and hours of available sunlight during the winter months in your particular area).
A typical ducted heating system and a ½-HP central air-handling unit would require the continuous operation of a medium-sized generator to keep this type of heating system operational during a power outage.
Looks like a ducted system with an air-handling is gonna require a generator.
I have a feeling that cost could be a significant issue here.
