Friday, June 5, 2009

DIY Solar Water Heater - A Simple Do it Yourself Solar Hot Water Heating System

Using a solar water heater makes the most economic sense almost anywhere in the world especially now that the prices of fossil fuels are at a very high level. Building your own solar water heater is a very good option, and there are a number of resources where you can find DIY(do it yourself) solar water heater system. This will help your budget, and this can also be a very fun project for your family. Although it is not as effective as the commercially active solar power system available, it does cost a lot lesser than them.

You can have a DIY solar water heater for about less than $100 depending on scrap materials you can find, and you will cut your electric bills and save more money. Depending upon where you are(your climate), and the specific hot water design, you can expect a heating energy savings of about 50 percent during the summer, and 25 percent savings during spring and fall. We made our own solar water heater with the help of a very useful guide about using solar power at home.

Now, you can make a batch solar water heater, and this is basically a preheater for the incoming cold water before it reaches your standard water heater. It takes less electricity and gas to heat the water if the water is warmer. The solar heater can warm the water enough that the water heater stays off all day, especially during sunny afternoon.

For the design, a batch solar water heater uses a water tank inside an insulated box. There are also special solar water heating tanks that can be purchased, but having a used water tank is also good. Black paint should be applied to the water heater, and there are also those special solar paints which are formulated to absorb more solar heat, and are available at a reasonable cost. You can use a sheet of clear acrylic plastic or an old glass storm door for the top.

From the tank, run the hot water outlet through the side or back of the box, and then down near the ground into your house to the water heater. Place the incoming cold water pipe from the water heater to the solar heater. You can insulate them very well, and you can use a crossover pipe and two valves to bypass the solar water heater when winter comes.

Do you know that it is very possible now to build your own solar powered home easily and with little cost? You can help save the environment and also your wallet.

Visit this site now FullEarth4EnergyReview.com to find out on how to do this and to find out the many other advantages you do not know about solar energy.

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