for solar water heating
DIY hot water systems are not new, people in the United States have been using homemade water heating kits for over 100 years. For example, in Pasadena alone over 30% of households were using solar water heaters in 1897! If our ancestors could harness the power of the sun over a hundred years ago, then we should be now!
However the discovery of massive supplies of gas and oil in the United States meant that creating energy from the sun was sidelined in favor of fossil fuel heating methods. But DIY solar hot water kits are now growing in popularity as people look to protect the environment.
Latest statistics show that there are over 500,000 such water heating devices used in California. Many of these are used in houses and swimming pools. Using a solar water heater for swimming pools and showers is a great way to lower pollution caused by fossil fuels and also to lower your electricity bill. You will also be lowering your carbon footprint.
DIY panels basically consist of: black water pipes, a wooden box and a glass panel. When the sun shines on the panels and pipes, the water inside the pipes becomes hot. Just imagine the sun as the power source for your hot water tank. However unlike when you flip the electricity switch, the sun heats up your hot water for free!
So what are you waiting for? You could be using these simple DIY systems to heat your home or swimming pool. Making a do it yourself solar hot water panel is actually easier than you would think. There are stacks of guides and plans available on the internet.
Nigel has built DIY Solar Panels and DIY Solar Hot Water Systems for over 10 years.
Visit his website to learn how to build your own DIY solar panels: DIY Solar Guide. Nigel now creates 80% of his household energy using the power of the sun.
Solar Water Heater Steam Parabolic Mirror Trough
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Quake Kare Emergency Thermal Blankets (4 Pack)
$2.89 This compact blanket provides warmth (retains and reflects up to 90 of body heat), a waterproof and windproof shelter barrier, and a covering to help reduce shock when someone is injured. Emergency thermal blanket to be used as emergency shelter. Also great for camping, hiking, and surviving the cold outdoors. Excellent as liner of sleeping bag.... |
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K&H 9000 Ice Eliminator BirdBath 50-Watt De-Icer
$27.58 Ice eliminator bird bath de-icer 50 watts - the unique design and low energy consumption arent the only reasons ice eliminator has become a best seller. - lets just list a few more... Solid aluminum housing keeps the unit from falling out of the birdbath. Attractive rock?like design blends naturally with any birdbath. Spray paint any color to match any birdbath. Will not calcify, rust, or leave st... |
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Grundfos 59896155 1/25 Horsepower SuperBrute Recirculator Pump
$70.22 Grundfos UP15-42F Circulator Pump (59896155) is for Closed systems with Maximum liquid temperature 230 F.Grundfos UP15-42F Features Built-in motor protection for longer life and better performance. Suitable for a wide range of applications, including radiant heating, hydronic heating, fan coil heating, solar and other system types. Whisper-quiet operation for sound sensitive installations... |
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Do It Yourself Solar Panels for Swimming Pools, Spas & more
$34.95 Solar Panel Instructional DVD & Plans for water heating. A simple step-by-step, DIY, easy to follow solar panel construction DVD. No special tools required. Sleek design, professional look and ease of fabrication. Heating system fully integrates into your existing pool piping network. 3500 watts (12,000BTU) of free solar power per panel. 10+degrees F increase in water temperature in one day. Engin... |
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Intermatic WH21 Electric Water Heater Timer
$41.29 25A, Water Heater Timer, Electric, External Switch, On/Off Indicator Light, Single Pole, Single Throw, 6,250W, 250V.... |
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Intermatic WH40 Electric Water Heater Timer, Grey
$48.99 - External override switch - May be able to save if "time of day" rates are used in your area - Heavy duty 40 amp rating - Easy to install - Easy to program - Supply hot water only when you need it - 10,000 watts, 40 amps, 250 volts, 60Hz capacity... |
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Honeywell R-AM-101C-US-1 Thermostatic Mixing Valve
$63.67 A Honeywell thermostatic mixing valve provides increased protection and comfort for your family. HEALTH: Mixing valves help to prevent bacteria growth. When a water heater's temperature is set too low, deadly Legionella bacteria can grow. This mixing valve allows you to set your water heater at a high enough temperature to kill bacteria while eliminating concerns about water being too hot at the t... |
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Intex Krystal Clear 18-Foot Solar Pool Cover
$34.99 Enjoy warm water and a longer swimming season! Helps keep pool water warmer. Reduce water evaporation by 95% Easy and economical to use Reusable carry bag for easy storage Fits 18'Diameter Round Pools... |
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SWH-4 Solar Hot Water Heating Package - DIY Solar Kits
$16,639.50 Complete Solar Heating Package SWH-4 - 4 x TZ58 1800 30R Collector Solar Heating system SRCC Certified for 30% Tax Credit ... |
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Camco 57341 Olympian RV Wave-6 6000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater
$248.21 This Heater is ideal for RVers. Installs in minutes and is safe and dependable. Height: 17 7/8" Width: 12 13/16" Depth: 4" State and local codes my vary and may regulate installation of these appliances in Recreational Vehicles.... |
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Solar Water Heating (Paperback)
$15.63 Heating water with the sun is a practice almost as old as humankind itself. Solar Water Heating, now completely revised and expanded, is the definitive guide to this clean and cost-effective technology. Beginning with a review of ... |
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Swim Time Solar Heating System
$328.04 This solar heating system from Swim Time features a convenient way to heat your pool with it's efficient panel design. This solar heating system includes everything you need to install and heat your pool. |
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In-ground Rectangular 12' x 24' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket
$87.99 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer. |
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In-ground Rectangular 18' x 36' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket
$170.99 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer. |
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Swim Time Blue Solar Sun Disc (Pack of 6)
$119.09 These amazing solar discs from Swim Time do everything that a solar blanket will do but without the hassle of lugging on and off that big, wet solar blanket. These Solar Sun Discs are approximately 5 feet wide and come in a pack of six. |
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Above-ground Round 24-foot Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket
$123.99 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer. |
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Swim Time Blue Solar Sun Disc
$37.11 This amazing solar disc from Swim Time does everything that a solar blanket will do but without the hassle of lugging on and off that big, wet solar blanket. This Solar Sun Disc is approximately 5 inches wide at its widest point. |
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In-ground 14x28-foot Rectanglular 12-mil Solar Blanket
$90.99 This durable in-ground 12-mil blanket can warm your pool by up to 15 degrees. The blanket is made to provide maximum heating properties combined with long life. Thermal bubbles in the blanket retain heat at night and on cool cloudy days. |
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Round Clear Above-ground Pool Solar Blanket
$63.99 This clear solar blanket allows more solar heat to quickly heat your pool. This solar pool cover is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer. |
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Oval Clear Above-Ground Pool Solar Blanket (21' x 41')
$177.99 Use this clear solar blanket to heat your pool faster. This blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer, shielding your pool from wind and nighttime cooling while allowing more solar heat to reach your pool and heat it thoroughly. |
