Solar Pre Heater for a Hot Water Heater

[3930dave]

Lot's of good info posted.

Another classic source is Renewable Energy & Efficiency Technologies | Home Power Magazine

I've always liked how they structure their articles and cost breakdowns. They used to post a complete back issue (they had/have? a printed version) for free - trial version, volume changes every once in a while. Doesn't look like they do that anymore.

Drainback Solar Hot Water Systems | Home Power Magazine has some current articles.

If you are/will get into photovoltaics, something to keep in mind is a diversion voltage regulator for charging batteries, if you go that route. A diversion regulator re-directs PV voltage from the batteries once they are topped up - you can send the surplus power into immersion resistance heaters to pre-heat water, in addtion to using solar.

Rgds, D.

 

[Kyle241]

I think these are a great idea however I would go with a closed loop with glycol as it gets too cold up here in winter. I have a second home in Maine that uses hot water to heat the house (propane) and was wondering whether I could reduce my propane bills. That is something I need to look more in. To the OP, if you do go forward, can you update your progress?