Pole Barn heating-what do you use?

[Builder]

I just wanted to start a thread on heating a pole barn. Say it's a typical 60x40 metal sided with concrete floor. Let's say the roof & walls have Tuff-R on them and the floor has 2" under the slab.
I'm thinking of radiant heat-running tubing through the slab to the south facing roof to be preheated in solar panels. The water temp could then be supplemented higher through a simple boiler/water heater with a circulating pump. Maybe use waste oil to fire the heater or electric.

I like the idea of using solar to preheat the water as much as possible (free). A simple shut-off valve could prevent heat in summer.

 

[tommu56]

on most solar systems you can't just shut valves the collectors will over heat and if its sealed and blow releif valve if there is one if not some thing else will have to give.
tom

 

[Builder]

Thanks. Yes, I planned on draining the sytem in the summer. Since it'll be filled with anti freeze & water, it's not something you'll want blowing out on the ground.

 

[dubba]

We usually cover the collectors in the summer. Too much risk of overheating damage to internal components, even if left dry.

 

[Builder]

What do you cover your collectors with? I was thinking of using a reflective rigid styrofoam.

 

[sneaky_pete]

For the few days a year I need to heat my shop, I just use a portable Propane radiant heater.

 

[dubba]

We cover them with plywood painted white, spaced up by strapping around the edges to keep it off the glass. My father in law puts foam in between plywood & glass. I never have.

 

[Builder]

I woder if you evacuated the system of most all of the fluid and opened the relief valve, if that wouldn't suffice? Just so you wouldn't have to climb up and cover/uncover the panels?