One of the features of the 2300 that helped in my decision to buy is the fact that the water jacket is realatively large at 450 gallons, which seemingly would aid in adding in solar at some point. I've been burning every day and it looks like we might be able to get 36 hours between burns if we are just using the 'on board' storage for DHW. This isn't too bad, but I'd like the convienience of some more storage as I'd like to eventually get 2-3 days between fireings. '...At some point' might be soon as I think we might have some money left over after this summers round of home improvements.
So....I'm starting to look into solar as the first step. I'd like to see what I can do with my existing 'storage' before adding in any more. Currently I'm only using one of 3 hookups on the boiler...could I just hook in solar direct to the 2300? Obviously I wouldn't want to backfeed heat out of the system so some sort of active system would likely be the best option. I MIGHT be able to get the panels/evacuated tubing installed lower than the boiler and use thermosyphoning, but I think I'll be better served by regulating the solar with an active system.
My basement has a low ceiling height of 6.5' so I'm hesitant to add storage in right away. I also have some more rehab work to do on one of the walls as the blocks are in pretty rough shape, so at this point I'd like to skip adding storage in the basement, but I AM interested in ideas for types of tanks, set-ups etc. for future reference. Basically any thoughts about additional storage for my 2300, keeping the solar in mind, would be greatly appreciated. Pressurized/unpressurized, bought/built, HX, sizing etc. etc. etc.
So....I'm starting to look into solar as the first step. I'd like to see what I can do with my existing 'storage' before adding in any more. Currently I'm only using one of 3 hookups on the boiler...could I just hook in solar direct to the 2300? Obviously I wouldn't want to backfeed heat out of the system so some sort of active system would likely be the best option. I MIGHT be able to get the panels/evacuated tubing installed lower than the boiler and use thermosyphoning, but I think I'll be better served by regulating the solar with an active system.
My basement has a low ceiling height of 6.5' so I'm hesitant to add storage in right away. I also have some more rehab work to do on one of the walls as the blocks are in pretty rough shape, so at this point I'd like to skip adding storage in the basement, but I AM interested in ideas for types of tanks, set-ups etc. for future reference. Basically any thoughts about additional storage for my 2300, keeping the solar in mind, would be greatly appreciated. Pressurized/unpressurized, bought/built, HX, sizing etc. etc. etc.
