Yes, you really can plug homemade solar water heaters into your existing hot water tank. Firstly, it’s important to install this system if you need hot water; otherwise it operates by circulating the already-heated water through the pipes of your home. Water heaters are often built near a central hot-water unit (usually in your garage), and sometimes in your kitchen sink, or next to your outdoor fireplace. Solar water heating systems convert sunlight directly into energy, which then heats your water. Solar energy is clean, unlimited, and safe.
If your pipes are old or rust, you may need to replace them before installing a solar hot water systems. Since pipes absorb heat over time, your older pipes may be overheating. Before installing any homemade solar water heaters, you should first inspect your heating system to determine what type of pipes you have. For example, copper pipes will conduct heat better than polyethylene (commonly referred to as PVC).
The collector plate is where your homemade solar water heater takes its energy from. There are several types available, and it’s usually the size of the collector that determines how much heat can be collected. Heated collector plates usually come with instructions to install them. If your system is built-in, the plate can simply be covered so that the collector plate is out of the way.
It’s very important that you protect your hot water heater from extreme temperatures. Most DIY solar water heaters are designed for easy installation in climates with relatively mild winters. If you live in a region with extremely cold winters, or even hot summers, you should consider an alternative water heater. Installing a solar energy collector would collect energy during the day, and then use that energy to heat water. An alternative water heater will collect energy during the day but would not store heat during the nights.
Homemade solar water heaters can be made using materials that you may already have on hand. Glass, wood, copper, and stainless steel are among the easiest and most cost effective materials. Wood is also a great choice since it’s usually cheaper than other materials. Some DIY solar water heaters include a pump to distribute the heated energy throughout the house.
If your current heating source costs too much, you can always switch to solar energy. Your heating expense will probably be minimal compared to your energy bills. However, if your current heating system is not efficient, you can still use solar energy. You will just need to make sure that your home is designed in a way that will make it practical. Many homes in Northern Canada were recently retrofitted to use solar energy.
When you have decided to purchase or construct a homemade solar water heater, you need to make sure that you choose a high quality design. Make sure that it uses modern technology so it will be efficient and able to generate enough heat. The materials you use should also be of high quality. You don’t want to invest in a solar collector that won’t last very long or that will heat the water efficiently. Before purchasing any solar collector, you need to carefully research the different models available.
One important factor to consider when choosing a homemade solar water system is heat loss. If the collector doesn’t have enough heat loss, your system will not function properly. It’s important to choose a model with at least 15% heat loss.
Another important factor to consider is whether to use a wooden frame or an aluminum one. A wooden frame is more expensive but it will help to ensure you heat is dispersed throughout your house better. An aluminum frame may be cheaper but it is not as effective. If you are going to use a wooden frame, make sure you insulate the pipes, connectors, and connections properly.
Installing a solar hot water systems on a house can be a very tedious project. This is especially true if you live in an older home where the plumbing is less than effective. If you are going to hire a professional contractor, make sure they charge according to the actual cost of the project. Make sure that they will give you a written estimate beforehand so you know what the total cost will be.
The solar collector you choose can be the most important part of your solar water heater. It determines how much heat is collected. If you install a poor quality collector, you will not be able to collect enough energy to heat your home effectively. It is vital that you select a high quality collector that will be able to trap the maximum amount of solar energy.
