solar water heater system
The rising cost of energy and the increasing threat of global warming motivates people to go green, conserve energy, recycle, and become more energy independent. Photovoltaic applications are still beyond the means and skills of most do it yourselfers because they have an initial cost of $5 per Watt, but home made solar thermal applications with a price tag of $0.50 per Watt are becoming more popular. Of course comparing electricity to heat is like comparing apples to oranges but a low tech, properly installed solar thermal systems can be a very cost effective investment.
Conventional Solar Collectors use metallic absorber plates, metallic flow tubes and glass glazings. These materials increase the weight, cost and shipping expenses of collectors to say nothing about installation expenses. Saving the planet is a great idea, but saving money is an even greater idea. A typical installed, 3 collector, DHW system with a 100 gallon solar storage tank has a price tag of $6000 with a pay back period of about 10 years while a comparable DIY solar thermal system has a price tag of $2000 with a payback period less than 3 years.
A variety of DIY Solar Collectors are possible. Small, direct connect, batch heaters can supplement a DHW system in a warm sunny climate and serpentine flat plate, closed loop systems, with antifreeze can work in cooler climates. We’ll save the evacuated tube collectors for the very cold climates since the heat loss in minimized by the vacuum. Unfortunately the added expense of evacuated tubes may not be worth the initial investment in most locations, but they may have some advantages where heat loss through the glazing is a major concern. The pros and cons of solar applications will mainly depend on location, roof orientation and financial status. My preference is MTD.
Flush Mounting collectors can minimize installation expenses and maximize aesthetic appeal, but can collectors be flush mounted on a West-facing roof?
Yes they can, but the value of improperly oriented collectors is questionable. To be practical solar applications require sunlight. Besides being efficient, durable and good looking a collector array should sit comfortably on a properly oriented roof that receives an ample supply of light. Less than 1% of today’s homes are candidates for photovoltaic or solar thermal installations and very few of these are good candidates. Most houses are not built with the sun in mind. If your roof orientation is off by more than 30 degrees my advice is sell your house and design a well planned solar home from scratch. Collector arrays should fit together with minimal plumbing, and be flush mounted on the roof.
Multi Drum Heat Storage… Circulating solar heated water directly through storage drums rather than using heat exchange coils to transfer heat is more economical than the closed loop process of heat exchange as long as turbulence within the drums is minimized. The drainback or modified trickle down method of storing heat eliminates the need for glycol, heat exchange coils and pressure relief valves.
Multiple drums increase heat stratification and increase collector efficiency by separating heated water from unheated water. Multiple drums also have the advantage of simplifying process of combining a home heating system with a domestic hot water system.
As a young child I sought refuge from the cold winds of January by standing against the south side of a schoolyard wall. Today I seek refuge from corporate dependence by designing cost effective solar heating systems for do-it-yourselfers. Photovoltaic panels, solar collectors and heat storage drums will not solve all our sociological and environmental problems, but it’s a start.
http://www.jc-solarhomes.com/trickle_down_solar.htm
Solar Water Heating materials ideas
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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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Intex Krystal Clear 15-Foot Solar Pool Cover
$29.99 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 15' Diameter Round Pools... |
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Kintrex SPC0601 7 Amp 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Power Charge Controller With Digital LED Display
$39.95 The SPC0601 Solar Charge Controller is designed to protect batteries from overcharge and excessive discharge when being charged by a solar panel device. The controller functions to automatically assure the battery is fully charged and keep the battery fully charged without damage to the battery. The SPC0601 Charge Controller also functions to limit the load placed upon the battery to ensure the ba... |
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Briggs & Stratton 40248 7000-Watt PowerNow Dual Mode Air Cooled Home Standby Generator
$1,999.99 The Briggs & Stratton EmPower power now 7,000-watt standby generator is fully equipped to keep most of your home essentials and conveniences running when the grid goes down. Powered by a durable Briggs & Stratton Extended Life Series engine, this unit quickly converts to a standby generator with an optional transfer switch (sold seperatly) for ready-to-go back up power. This EmPower generator offe... |
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EASY HEAT INC Freeze Free Self Regulating Pipe Heating Cable UL Approved
Freeze Free, 100', Self Regulating Pipe Heating Cable, UL Approved, To Be Sold With Connection Kit #10802, True Value #701-128, Bulk Reel.... |
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Texsport Deluxe Camp Shower/Shelter Combo
$79.00 Camping is all about reconnecting with nature, but sometimes especially on longer trips it's awfully nice to freshen up a bit. With the Texsport Deluxe Camp Shower/Shelter Combo, gone are the days of jumping into the lake or river, or splashing yourself clean in the camp kitchen sink. It's portable and lightweight, making it simple to enjoy a proper shower in the great outdoors. Measuring four fe... |
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Marinco 150BBI Marine On-Board Charger Inlet (15-Amp, 125-Volt, Black)
$17.26 Guest Shore Power Systems On - board Charger Inlet... for safe, convenient battery charging! The Inlet mounts on your boat's exterior and hard-wired directly to the charger. Just open the flip lid cover and plug an extension cord into the Inlet to bring charging power to your boat's batteries. All of the hatches remain closed and locked throughout the charging cycle, which adds an element and safe... |
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Sunny Shower, The Solar Heated Outdoor Shower
$169.99 Enjoy the comfort and convenience of rinsing off outside with the Solar Sunny Shower using the suns energy. Features an adjustable and detachable shower head. Perfect accessory for any pool, deck or patio! - The Sunny Shower uses the energy from the sun's rays to produce hot water ecologically and without using any electricity. The solar showers make it easy and affordable to rinse off with... |
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Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower
$149.00 Endless hot water, in a FLASH! LP - powered Portable Tankless Water Heater. Hot water, instantly and exactly where you need it! Great for camping, cabin use, washing boats and cars, etc. Switch this Heater on and an intense flame instantly heats the water as it passes through. There's no reservoir to deplete like at home, as long as you feed water in, HOT water is coming out! Battery ignition star... |
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Intex Ultra Frame 16-Foot by 48-Inch Round Pool Set
$699.99 ... |
