Solar Hot Water Heaters – Using a Solar Water Heater DIY Kit

Nov 26 2009

Solar Hot Water Heaters – Using a Solar Water Heater DIY Kit

By admin

One of the simplest and most effective ways to begin with solar is to use a solar water heater DIY kit. You can reduce your hot water expense by at least one-third, cut down on your fossil fuel use, and help the planet at the same time.

Recently, my 21 year old son was amazed to discover that we actually had a solar water heater DIY approach way back in the 1970's! Little did he know that the first patent for a commercial solar water heater was granted in 1891, a few years before even I was born!

Actually, solar heated water has been in use since some caveman discovered that he could enjoy warm water from a shallow pond in the summer!

How to use a solar water heater DIY kit

You can make your own solar water heater in one of two ways. There are complete kits available that supply everything you need. The second way is to buy a kit that basically tells you how to do it. You supply the materials.

If you get the kit that supplies everything, you get everything you need, including solar panels, hoses, plumbing components, glazing, framing, etc. Basically, it is a solar water heater in a box.

When you buy the how-to kit, you learn exactly, step-by-step how to make a solar water heater. It gives you the know-how, you supply the materials. The materials are all available from your local hardware store.

Are solar water heater DIY kits safe?

A solar hot water kit is totally safe. There are practically no moving parts, and the water supply is unchanged from your gas or electric hot water. An added benefit is that you will extend the life of your present water heater because you simply will not use it as much.

The only difference between your current hot water and solar hot water is the source of the heat, which will become the free energy from the sun! This is a great savings and way to reduce your carbon footprint.

All you are essentially doing is preheating the water and plumbing it into your existing hot water heater, so there is no danger whatsoever.

Do solar hot water DIY projects work in cold climates?

The only requirement is a good southern exposure; if you have this, you can benefit from solar power. Personally, I have lived in Norway, Colorado, Wisconsin and Vermont, and there are plenty of solar applications in each of these cold climates. There are solar panels on many municipal buildings, private homes, campers, schools, and hospitals.

How expensive are the kits?

The kit that supplies everything costs quite a bit, depending on the size you buy. The price can range from $600 to $18,000. However, if you are remodeling, or building new, you will find it easier to justify, especially with the state and federal incentives available. The energy savings of 30-50% can mean a much quicker payback period than is first imagined.

The solar water heater DIY kit that provides the know-how and instructions will only cost about $30-$50. The materials to build your solar hot water heater will run another $70, so for about $100, you can actually begin to have your own solar hot water!

All you need is some determination, a weekend or two and a little cash. Even if you had to pay a friend to help you, you would still be ahead and save a lot on you power bill.

Jon Arnett and company have been involved with energy saving programs for many years in Alaska, Wisconsin, Norway and Croatia. Recently they constructed a passive and active solar heated villa in Croatia. Check out their website: http://SolarOnYourOwn.com to help you in your quest for reducing your energy dependence. Find out how you can save money, save energy, and save the earth!

Ok so you might find the next few links interesting. These are from around the web, just random snippets that I've picked up in my reading, but I found some very cool information in them. You might too. Here goes...

Save money with a solar hot water heater for your home | Bukisa.com

Learning how to build a solar hot water heater for your home is very simple with a diy guide available to download online. It can be done in every climate with excellent results. It is an easy step towards a green energy efficient home.

Solar Hot Water Heater

Comments. 1 Response to "Solar Hot Water Heater". Anonymous said... July 12, 2009 9:56 AM. Interesting idea. Thanks. Post a Comment. Come on, say something! Newer Post Older Post Home. Survivalist Blog Sponsors. Powered By Blogger ...

Active Solar Water Heating: A Tutorial

The two main components of an active solar water heater are the collectors and storage tank, supplemented by a pump or pumps and a heat exchanger for those using an anti-freeze transfer fluid. Note that most U.S. solar hot water heaters ...

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