How to Install a Solar Water Heater
A modern solar water heater is not only stylish-looking, it can also save you a considerable amount on your monthly fuel costs, depending on the area in which you live.Many systems can now be easily installed by one or two people in less than a day.We are going to consider a passive system that uses the pressure of the city's own water system to force water through your solar collector and into the cold water inlet of your standard hot water tank.In this way your solar water heater will augment your current system, saving you a considerable amount on the cost of your water heating bill, while continuing to supply you with a virtually unlimited amount of hot water. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- The necessary tools vary depending on the brand and model of water heater chosen.
- In-line 5 micron water filter.
- PVC pipe
- Hose
Instructions
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How to Install a Solar Water Heater
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1
Choose the right size heater for your home, your needs and your geographic location. In the sunbelt, count on approximately eight square feet of solar heater panels per person. In colder northern climates count on 12 to 14 square feet per person.
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2
Pick the right location for your solar heater. Ideally your solar heater panel should be installed where it receives the maximum amount of sunlight, both in the morning as well as the afternoon.
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3
Install your panel in the location you've chosen following the manufacturer's instructions. Use bolts or other fasteners to make certain that your panel is securely mounted.
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4
Use PVC and/or water hose to connect your city's water system to the cold inlet of your solar heater, installing a 5 micron water filter in the line to filter sediments and keep them from entering your system.
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5
Run PVC and/or hose from the hot water outlet of your panel into the cold water inlet of your standard water heater. In this way solar-heated water will enter your water heater, allowing it to operate much more efficiently and use far less energy to heat your water. This system also allows you to maintain full hot water usage during cold days when the solar heater cannot provide 100% of your hot water needs.
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Tips & Warnings
If you live in a cold climate you will need a way to by-pass your solar water heater during extended periods of cold, freezing weather. If you live in an area prone to freezing it is best to bypass your solar heater entirely during the coldest months and drain all water out of the system to prevent pipes from bursting during freezes.
