DIY Solar Hot Water
Perhaps the easiest way to dip your toe into the solar hot water “pool” if you will, is with a DIY kit. The return on investment for thermal solar panels is quicker than with PV solar panels: 7 years or less. You’ll start seeing an immediate saving on your utility bills, too. And, if you look to re-sell your home, expect a boost in value from installing a renewable energy system like solar hot water!
Whether you use the panels to heat your pool and/or hot tub, or all the water used in your home, you could save up to 80% on the cost of hot water!
I will honestly say that, while PV panels still seem a bit out of financial reach for our family, a solar hot water system like the ones shown below is within range – and quite exciting for us to consider this renewable energy project. Add in the fact that current tax incentives allow 30% or more in savings, and who wouldn’t want to invest in DIY solar hot water?
It is easier to show than tell about the benefits of a solar hot water system:
Basically, you will need solar thermal panels to collect the solar energy. Tubing will take the energy to a high-efficiency water tank in which the water is heated. Its best to have a back-up water heater, just in case.
To me, this looks like a super home improvement project on which several neighbors on a street could collaborate. One researches the cost of components, one determines how to get tax rebates or other incentives, one works to negotiate with the manufacturers/suppliers and all people involved help with the installation.
What do you think about DIY solar hot water? What would hold you back from installing such a system at your home?
Tags: DIY solar, diy solar hot water, solar hot water, solar thermal panels
April 29th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Our company, altE, offers solar water heating systems as complete kits with the DIY'er in mind. The DIY'er certainly needs to be comfortable with plumbing and often getting up on roofs plus local plumbing code, but we have thousands of customers who have done it themselves to date. There's nothing like the satisfaction (and yes, often the frustration!) of doing it yourself successfully.
June 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 am
DIY solar panel guides have been having some bad press lately. However I am a firm believer that with thr right plans and materials anyone can build a efficient homemade solar panel
Nigel
http://DiySolarPanelPro.com
May 10th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
How much are the panels?