A solar water heater is a great way to save some money in the long run and help the environment. They use the sun's energy to warm water that can then be used by your home, reducing your energy costs. When purchasing one you can expect a reduction in your total energy bill by 10-20% depending on the climate you live in, the efficiency of your model and how much energy you use.
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Even if you are a novice with do-it-yourself projects, the DIY solar water heater is still a good project for you to do. There are different levels of difficulty that can be built, depending on what type of project you are undertaking. Regardless of your level of expertise, you will be able to find a suitable project that is appropriate for both your needs and your level of experience. |
Even if you are a novice with do-it-yourself projects, the DIY solar water heater is still a good project for you to do. There are different levels of difficulty that can be built, depending on what type of project you are undertaking. Regardless of your level of expertise, you will be able to find a suitable project that is appropriate for both your needs and your level of experience.
There are different options for DIY solar water heaters and the simplest among these are batch water heaters. These are designed so that the parts you need are available at your neighborhood hardware store. The different options include varying designs that can be adapted to suit your specific needs or personal taste.
The batch water heater utilizes a water tank that is placed where it will heat the power using the sun's energy. This is then connected to your home's plumbing system. You want the sun's heating of the water to be as efficient as possible, and you may need to get a little creative to accomplish this.
The first thing is to have your water tank painted a black matte color. Since black absorbs lights, this helps the tank to absorb and hold as much heat as possible. Beyond this you will need to take stock of what is available to you and get creative. Many people encase the batch water heater in a basic glass box. This creates an insulated area near the water heater that will also help to hold the heat in.
| Some people get even more creative. Some DIY solar water heaters incorporate movable mirrors situated strategically around the water tank. The suns rays then strike these mirrors and are reflected onto the system, increasing the surface area that will be heated. These mirrored systems are the most effective ones as the largest surface area is utilized, helping the tank to make the most use of the sun's rays. |
However, if you live in cold climates you should recognize that the batch water heater is probably not a good option for you. If you encounter long periods of below freezing temperatures then you will definitely want to avoid the batch system. Cold climates and freezing temperatures can cause batch heaters to break. Batch heaters in colder climates must be drained during the winter to protect them.
Therefore, if you reside in a colder climate you should look into one of the other many options available for DIY solar water heaters. One alternative is a closed loop system. With a closed loop system the water is in constant motion, never having the chance to freeze and cause damage. However, closed loop systems are more technical and require greater plumbing knowledge so you should only attempt it if you are follwing a good DIY guide.
A solar water heater will cost between $2000 and $8000. How much you pay will depend on the capacity of the system (how much hot water it can produce) and it's efficiency. The type of system you choose will depend on the climate you live in, and your energy needs. On the other hand, if you prefer to make your own, most DIY solar water heaters can be constructed for less than $1200, meaning that it will not take long before your investment pays for itself and you will have a fun building this new, money-saving system.
The great thing about this type of system is that they will reduce your energy cost and reduce your carbon footprint so they are great for the environment.
If you're looking to increase your energy independence, help the environment and save some money as well, investing in a solar water heater is a good start.
