Why not use the power of the sun to provide you with a domestic hot water heating system? 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 making and fitting your own solar hot water system will save you hundreds of dollars, repaying its cost in one or two months. And think of the savings every month after that!
Solar heating works anywhere and at any time of the year – even wintertime! It might not provide all your hot water (although it often does), but it will definitely make a large dent in your utility bills. At least one third is quite common. Solar water heaters are simple devices, very efficient and environmentally friendly. Typically, you can make and fit a complete solar hot water system in a weekend, provided you get properly organized firstand assemble all the necessary parts.
Solar hot water systems comprise a simple glazed collector box fitted with a chain of water pipes, which connect to the domestic hot and cold water pipes at or near your hot water tank. Normally a drain valve is fitted should you need to empty the system for some reason, such as going away for a winter vacation. 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 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 most likely you will have some or all of these materials already.
Making and fitting such a system will not interfere with or harm your existing hot water installation. In fact, by lowering the use of the existing heaters, the solar water heater will help extend the service of your boiler or immersion heater as well as save on utility bills. Remember also that solar heating is free energy that reduces our use of non-renewable fuels and lowers the carbon footprint, 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 be used for heating swimming pools by providing a gentle, all-year-round source of free heating. Do you have, or are you planning on fitting, underfloor central heating? This typically uses a constant supply of warm (as opposed to hot) water with a low flow rate. Diy solar water heating is a great way to warm your home for very little cost.
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.
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. The cost will be very small, and you will get full assurance that you are doing the job properly and safely. If you want more ideas and recommendations, please visit 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?