install solar water heating
Should you install a solar water heater?
Should you install a solar water heater? The average home has a 200 liter (50-60 gallon) hot-water tank, which is effectively drained and replenished three times per day. Assume that the entering tap water is 15 degrees C and is heated to 50 degrees C. Given an average energy from sunlight of 1.53 kJ/cm2 per day, how large would the collection area (in m2) of a solar water heater need to be if its efficiency is 28%? Assume that the price of a solar collector is $375/m2. How much would it cost to install this hot water system?
I don’t see how you can go rwong installing it, be it for economic -, environmental reasons or otherwise. In time, the system will undoubtedly pay for itself. There is also the safety factor. Propane can be volatile, something you don’t have to worry about with solar. Hot water haeting systems aren’t as high tech ( at laest not some) as you might think. You could probaly even install some pretty primitive ones of your own making. You could put a flat rectangular box with a large surface area on you roof, paint it a flat black , and you’ll be surpriced at how much it can heat water. And you could just buy the standard hot water heating panels, witha pressure relief valve, and a mechanical heat expansion solar tracking device, or a computer controlled tracking. Pool heating systems , for the most part are pretty primitive, consisting mostly of lots of small rubber tubes bunched together in a mat, all connected to a larger supply , feed and circulation tubes. You could even coil a bunch of metal tubes , and paint them a flat black for maximum absorbtion of solar heat. I’d go solar. All around it’s a good idea.
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Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower
$149.00 Enjoy instant hot water wherever you go with the Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater. Generating more than 1 gallon of hot water per minute, this compact, energy-efficient heater creates a more comfortable and convenient outdoor experience for you and your family. The water heater comes with everything you need, including the adapters required to attach any standard garden hose nozzle and p... |
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Gila LES361 Heat Control Residential Window Film, Platinum, 36-Inch by 15-Feet
$28.99 36" x 15' Insulating Retains up to 55% winter heating Reflects up to 70% summer heat Reduces up to 99% UV rays Safe for duel panes Covers approximately two patio doors, seven 24" X 36" windows. Platinum Boxed... |
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EcoSmart 11 Kw Tankless Water Heater
$209.99 Configured for climates where incoming water temperatures are in the 60 to 70 F. range. Self modulating flow sensor technology regulates the amount of energy required to heat the water needed. Digital temperature display showing the outlet water temperature setting. Uses 2 standard Emerson Electric heating elements with brass tops to prevent electrolysis. Stainless steel heat exchanger. Automatic ... |
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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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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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Camco 57341 Olympian Wave-6 6000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater
$272.66 An ideal primary or secondary heating source for your RV, home, cabin or in some cases your tent, Camco Olympian series Wave heaters can be used as portable space heaters and in most cases can be wall mounted, either in a recessed position* or on a flat surface. Olympian series Wave heaters operate on low pressure HD-5 propane gas only and are equipped with a 100% safety shutoff valve to prevent... |
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Modern Hydronic Heating: For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings
$119.00 From simple applications to multi-load/multi-temperature systems, you can now learn how to use the newest and most sophisticated hydronic heating materials and methods without compromising between comfort and energy. Heavily illustrated with product shots from top manufacturers, plus more than 300 diagrams of system piping/control schematics, this one-of-a-kind introduction to today's hydronic hea... |
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Solar Power Your Home For Dummies
$8.47 Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you!This friendly, hands-on guide is packed with tips for making your home more energy-ef... |
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Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)
$15.60 Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America. Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy ... |
