Make a Solar Water Heater

Posted under fireplace, home remodeling

Do you believe that solar power is a wonderful way to get free hot water in your home?  You can make and fit diy solar water heating easily and cheaply, perhaps for under 100 dollars depending on the materials you have available.  Buying a ready made solar hot water heater will cost upwards of 1,000 dollars so making a solar water heater yourself will save you hundreds of dollars, repaying its cost in one or two months.  And think of the savings every month after that!

Solar water heating works anywhere in the world – even in the middle of winter!  It is possible that solar heat might not provide all your hot water (it often does), but it will definitely save you a large chunk of your utility bill.  At least one third is quite common.  Solar water heaters are simple devices, very efficient and environmentally friendly.  It is quite possible to make and fit one of these systems over a weekend, provided you plan it properly beforehandand assemble all the necessary parts.

The system consists of a simple glazed solar collector box containing water tubes that, in turn, are connected to the hot and cold water pipes of your existing hot water tank.  A drain valve is usually fitted in case you need to isolate the solar water heater for any reason, such as leaving the house empty in winter.  Plumbing is easy and no special skills or tools are needed.  The solar collector box will be sited and angled to face the sun at noon, and this can be on a roof or against a suitable wall.  All necessary materials will be available from your local hardware store, although you will probably find you already have some of them in your shed.

You will not damage your existing hot water system when making and fitting a solar water heater.  In fact, by reducing the operating demands on your existing system, the solar water heater will help prolong the service of your boiler or immersion heater as well as save on utility bills.  Remember also that solar heating is free energy that reduces our use of non-renewable fuels and lowers the carbon footprint, so there is an green bonus for fitting a solar water heater as well.

It also has other uses.  Solar hot water systems can be used for heating swimming pools by providing a gentle, all-year-round source of free heating.  Are you thinking about underfloor heating, or do you already have such a central heating system?  This typically operates on a constant supply of warm (not hot) water with a low flow rate. Homemade solar water heaters are an ideal way of getting free heat in your house.

There is something very satisfying about making a simple device that saves you money, gives you free hot water on demand and helps save the planet at the same time.

But, as always, there are pitfalls for the inexperienced when trying to make and fit a solar water heater.  It makes a lot of sense to get expert guidance and advice at the planning stage and before you start to build.  The cost will be very small, and you will get full assurance that you are doing the job properly and safely. We have  more information about this on our specialized website.

In summary, we can assure you that making and installing your own solar water heater is a satisfying and fun project that will give you years of savings, so why not give it a go?