Solar Hot Water Heater Question

[Industrial Toys]

Thanks for all the help. We have had unusually hot late summer temperatures. It's nice to have a cool hot tub on days like these. Hopefully, the project comes together this weekend, and might be ready for some cooler fall days.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Well, I don't know what to say. I have had very mixed results. Best results were on clear, hot sunny days. The ambient temperature seems to matter a lot although it should not.

And lately when I need the heat the most, I only have maybe four of five hours of sunlight on the panel.

I am also curious as to the condensation within the panel.

One time, with direct sunlight, I had the pump off, and started it feeling the water. I all but scalded my hand, so I figure the technology is working.

 

[radair]

I can't help you with your project but will say that evacuated tubes work exceptionally well in cold climates. They are my sole source of hot water and have been part of a flawless, nearly maintenance free system.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I have only seen one evacuated tube installation, but the builder didn't include any way of getting rid of excess heat in the summer, so the owner just shut down the system when water temps got to 190 degrees. He reported a lot of tube seals had failed, almost all during the summer. I think he needed a truck radiator and a fan to get rid of excess heat.