Hi,
This is the scheme I've been working on lately to do a DIY solar water heating system that is less work:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/OffShelfDHW/OffShelfSolarDHW.htm
It uses all off the shelf parts, so no collectors or tank to build. The collectors are pool heating collectors like the Fafco solar water heating system uses.
A nice side benefit is that its both cheap and also qualifies for the federal tax credit as the collectors are SRCC certified.
I'd say the jury is still out on what the year round performance might be in cooler climates, but the Fafco one appears to do pretty well. Also looking for ways to improve the collector performance in the winter.
Any thoughts or suggestions (pro or con) would be very much appreciated.
Gary
This is the scheme I've been working on lately to do a DIY solar water heating system that is less work:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/OffShelfDHW/OffShelfSolarDHW.htm
It uses all off the shelf parts, so no collectors or tank to build. The collectors are pool heating collectors like the Fafco solar water heating system uses.
A nice side benefit is that its both cheap and also qualifies for the federal tax credit as the collectors are SRCC certified.
I'd say the jury is still out on what the year round performance might be in cooler climates, but the Fafco one appears to do pretty well. Also looking for ways to improve the collector performance in the winter.
Any thoughts or suggestions (pro or con) would be very much appreciated.
Gary