Solar radiant Heat

[SPIKER]

Nice looking frame:

one thing I was wondering was how much weight are you going to have up there in the solar collector, as with that 6- degree angle it may get wobbly in stiff wind? A center brace down to ground might be needed from center top 90 degrees to earth ref. similar to those incased in the cret/sono-tubes...

just wondering as by time you get back plumbing and front onto the frame it might be back heavy. (cant remember were you using the glass vacume tubes?
I been reading several posts on 2 different boards of people doing similar things. here and forestry forum I think>?

Mark M

 

[ampsucker]

like the post and appreciate the play by play on DIY.

like many others in more temperate climes, payback period is a serious issue. here in zone 6/7 hardiness, we can see a wide range of winter and summer weather. i agree with the poster's comments about insulating the envelope being the most cost effective first step for almost everyone. whether a 200 year old farm house or a modern, stickbuilt, el cheapo spec home, sealing ducts, insulating attic, foundation, slab, windows, walls and sealing drafts of all types is the fastest payback and the best place to put your money. then you can get fancier if costs justify it.

i also agree that radiant flooring is the way to go. my next addition will be radiant floor heated and overhead a/c cooled.

regarding pellet stoves as a cheaper heating solution, be careful! my 411 indicates that many of the previously cheap sources of pellet material are drying up. for example, corn burning stoves use corn which is at an all time high price due to ethanol diversion. the housing market is in a serious slump and sawdust that used to be cheap or even free to pellet processors is no longer available from cabinet shops and other lumber processors, so they are having to buy logs on the open market, grind them up and make pellets from that. needless to say, look out for serious price increases on pellets next season.

good luck on your project! next time i pour a slab, i'll be plumbing it for radiant!

amp

 

[philbuilt]

Spiker thank you!
Each panel weighs approximately 125 lbs. I designed the frame and base structure with our sign base software. Wind load was more of a concern so I based it on 40lbs per sqft. The alternate plan would be to add another frame on the opposite side and turn it into a shed to store the tractor implements. We chose the flat panels.

ampsucker
I think with the price of fuel be it: oil pellets, wood,and any other consumable the pay back will be quicker then say a year ago. I haven't bought oil since May so I'm not sure current price but I think it's at least a $1.00 more per gal. This system with floor tubes and panels will cost approximately $11000.00 with me doing the install.
This link shows oil price charts from 7/2007 to 7/2008
OILNERGY: heating oil price (NYMEX)
it showed an increase $2.00 thru that time.
The floor is suppose to save me 20 -30%
The solar panels system is an additional 30-50%
I will be happy with 30%
1200 gal @ $4.00 = $4800.00
-30%=3360 $1440 x 8years 11520
-40%=2880 $1920 x6year payback 11520.

That is base on last years consumption
I don't think oil will drop that much.

 

[RichNJKubota]

We got some sort of federal tax credit or deduction when we put our hot water heater in. Is that still available and if so did you figure that into your payback?

 

[SPIKER]

Phil

I like the idea of adding 2nd side and a roof for a shed nice idea! ya never have enough storage space

I gt a question on the solar collectors you are using, are those equiped with the vacume glass tubes? and is there some sort of reflector in back side so as to put sun onto the back of the tube as well as sun facing side?

ok thanks
mark

 

[atgreene]

Neat thread, I look forward to hearing how it works for you. It looks like I'm sticking with wood boiler (indoor), but need to add a storage tank to increase efficiency. How big of a storage tank do you use with that type of system?

 

[philbuilt]

RichNJKubota,
My understanding is that our Pres. felt that it was not necessary and did not approve it again. $2000.00 tax credit! ended Dec 2007. The state of Maine has a $2500. but has to be applied for before installation and installed by a certified installer. (I'm taking a class in August to be certified to help other Dyers)

Spiker,
No glass tubes just flat panels I will try to elaborate or add a link to explain why.

atgreene,
It is a 120 gal.

more later
Phil

 

[RichNJKubota]

Spiker,

On my system (the one with glass tubes - not the subject of this thread), there are stainless reflectors in the space between the tubes that shine the light on the sides and back of the tubes.

Rich

 

[SPIKER]

Spiker,

On my system (the one with glass tubes - not the subject of this thread), there are stainless reflectors in the space between the tubes that shine the light on the sides and back of the tubes.

Rich

AHH I was confused, (AS USUAL ) anyhow this is going to be more of a home made solar collector then or are the panels store bought as well?
Mark M

 

[dougtrr2]

I have radiant floor heat and love it. I have a dual fuel furnace. Primary is wood and backup is natural gas. Living on 8 acres of timber, I pretty much have an unlimited wood supply. I have lived here 15 years and haven't cut a live tree yet. I built my house with wood heating in mind. The furnace room opens directly to the outside so I don't have to carry wood through the house.

I have to chuckle when I see those free standing woodburning sheds that pipe the heat back to the house. I am sure they are safer, but I don't like the idea of having to go outside in the middle of a snowstorm to stoke a fire.

I do like using the FEL on my BX 24 to haul the bigger chunks of wood. I can roll them into the bucket and then raise it chest high at the log splitter so I don't have to bend over and strain my back.

Take Care
Doug in SW IA