Build a Solar Hot Water System

Do you believe that solar power is a wonderful way to get free hot water in your home? Building a diy solar water heating system is easy and cheap – some people manage to do it for less than 100 dollars. Commercial solar water heaters can cost over 1,000 dollars so building your own solar water heater will save you several hundred dollars, paying for itself in a month or two. Then your hot water will be free!

Solar water heating works anywhere in the world – even in the middle of winter! It is possible that solar heat might not provide all your hot water (it often does), but it will certainly save you a large chunk of your utility bill. 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.

The system consists of a simple glazed solar collector box containing water tubes that, in turn, are connected to the hot and cold water pipes of your existing hot water tank. A drain valve is usually fitted in case you need to isolate the solar water heater for any reason, such as going away for a winter vacation. Doing this work is very easy, and you do not have to be any kind of expert. The solar collector box will be sited and angled to face the sun at mid-day, and this can be on a roof or against a suitable wall. You will be able to get all the materials needed at your local hardware store, although you will probably find you already have some of them in your shed.

Making and fitting such a system will not interfere with or harm your existing hot water installation. In fact, by reducing the operating demands on your existing system, the solar hot water heater will help extend the service of your boiler or immersion heater and also save on utility and maintenance costs. A further advantage is that solar heat is a renewable resource, so there is an green bonus for installing a solar hot water system as well.

You can use it for other things as well. Solar hot water systems can help heat a swimming pool with constant, gentle heat all year. Are you thinking about underfloor heating, or do you already have such a central heating system? This typically uses a constant supply of warm (not hot) water with a low flow rate. A diy solar water heating system is an ideal way of getting free heat in your house.

It is amazing how satisfying it is to build a simple system that provides constant hot water without hurting our planet.

These solar water heating systems are simple and fitting them is straightforward, but it is very easy to make mistakes that will be hard to rectify later. 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 very little but will ensure you do everything safely and efficiently. 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?

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