Solar Water Heater

[sportbike]

Do you still have the original, non solar powered heater hooked up in case you want to take a shower in the morning? I assume the tank is insulated, but I would think you'd have to have it dangerously hot to stay hot enough for a first thing in the morning shower.

[ShaneJackson]

Do you still have the original, non solar powered heater hooked up in case you want to take a shower in the morning? I assume the tank is insulated, but I would think you'd have to have it dangerously hot to stay hot enough for a first thing in the morning shower.

Actually yes, however it is gas powered and oddly enough I ran out of gas yesterday! It has been cloudy/rainy ever since I have had it finished so no good full sunny day to tell how well it works... Luckily it also has backup electric heating on the solar tank so I just plugged it and have hot water.

As for the heat of the tank, on electric backup I have it set to 130, I hope it gets to 170-180 off solar. As for safety I have a tempering valve installed on the hot water out of the tank so it mixes with cold water and is always 120.

I'll see if I can snap a few pictures today.