Solar Water Heater

[ShaneJackson]

No. There is a double walled heat exchanger in the hot water storage tank. The water that circulates thru the solar collectors is isolated. This is also done so you can use antifreeze in the system.

[everlastsupport]

Normally all potable water and spent within a day. Sounds like Shane's might be a sealed unit if he can add anti-freeze.

Mine WAS freon from the AC units on the house, through the hot water tank in hot pipes. I like the potable water thru the system, shower wash, maybe cook and done.

[ShaneJackson]

I have seen both sealed (like mine) and systems that have a tank built in above the heat tubes. They offer less heat loss due to the piping but do not have the capacity that the other systems offer. Also I dont think their tanks are insulated as good as a seperate tank (I may be wrong, but the ones i have seen dont seem to be).

I can use antifreeze but am not. I am just using plain water. I am not worried about freezing, and the system actualy has an antifreeze program in it. If it gets too cold it will turn the pump on and heat the outside pipes with the heat from the tank.

[everlastsupport]

In Florida we can go either way. Not sure about up North there. So long as you save money, that is the deal. Any idea on savings and payback?

[ShaneJackson]

My total cost was $2842. Tax rebates were Federal 30% State 35% so total credit of 65% or 1847.30 for a net cost of $994.70. My tankless uses roughly $50 a month of gas so that is a ROI of 19.89 months.... Add back for the electrical used and I will probably be closer to the 2 year mark.

[jakeru]

I remember reading something about antifreeze a couple pages back, and it makes sense now. So the tank is an indirect water heater? Sounds pretty slick.

[Jake98]

I have a solar project that is on the back burner. Heard that the % difference between CU and CPVC was small, so I'm going to test both. Modified a HF tube roller to make fins, FAIL.. have to work on that one, or just bend them in the brake.