Build a Solar Hot Water System
Posted: March 21, 2010 – 11:58 pmDo you believe that solar power is a wonderful way to get free hot water in your home? You can make and fit diy solar water heating easily and cheaply, perhaps for under 100 dollars depending on the materials you have available. Buying a ready made solar hot water heater will cost upwards of 1,000 dollars so making and fitting your own solar hot water system will save you hundreds of dollars, paying for itself in just a few months. After that your hot water will cost you nothing!
The sun will heat your water anywhere in the world – even in the winter! It might not provide all your hot water (although it often does), but it will certainly make a large dent in your utility bills. Expect to save at least one third. Solar water heaters are simple devices, very efficient and environmentally friendly. It is quite possible to make and fit one of these systems over a weekend, provided you get properly organized firstand get all the parts assembled.
A typical solar water heater system simply includes a collector box with integral water pipes that are connected to the existing domestic hot and cold water pipes near your hot water cylinder. A drain valve is usually fitted in case you need to isolate the solar water heater for any reason, such as leaving the house empty in winter. You will find the assembly easy and will not need any special skills or tools. The solar collector box will be sited and angled to face the sun at noon, and this can be on a roof or against a suitable wall. Your local hardware store will have all the materials you need, although you will probably find you already have some of them in your shed.
You will not damage your existing hot water system when making and fitting a solar water heater. In fact, by reducing the operating demands on your existing system, the solar water heater will help extend the life of your boiler or immersion heater as well as save on utility bills. A further advantage is that solar heat is a renewable resource, so there is an eco-bonus for installing a solar hot water system as well.
It also has other uses. Solar hot water systems can help heat a swimming pool with constant, gentle heat all year. Do you have, or are you planning on fitting, underfloor central heating? This typically operates on a constant supply of warm (not hot) water with a low flow rate. Diy solar water heating is a great way of warming your house for free.
There is something very satisfying about making a simple device that saves you money, gives you free hot water on demand and helps save the planet at the same time.
However, even though a solar water heating system is simple, it is easy to make mistakes during installation if you are not experienced enough. It makes a lot of sense to get expert guidance and advice at the planning stage and before you start to build. This is a small but vital investment that costs surprisingly little but will ensure you do everything safely and properly. We have more information about this on our specialized website.
In conclusion, we know from experience that making and fitting a solar water heating system will give you immense satisfaction, a lot of fun and really significant savings, so why not give it a try?