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Old 04-08-12, 10:10 PM   #2
Xringer
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In electronics, resistance in parallel increases the flow.
Picture the pump's output hose changed to twice the diameter.
My guess, that series would make the pump work harder.

I think the heat inside (under the glass) of the last panel of a series array, is the hottest.
So, it seems logical that series will give you hotter water, but at less GPM.
Whereas Parallel would give you more water that's less hot.

Kinda seems like the amount of BTUs per sq foot is going to be the same, regardless of configuration.
Except for one thing. If water is already really hot in the last collector,
then perhaps it's not going to be as easy for the sun to add more heat.

Picture water coming into a collector that's already outrageously hot.
It seems like water coming into a coil that's lukewarm would be easier to heat.

Picture putting 5 pound block of copper on the stove, and heating it to 400F.
Not too hard to do, shouldn't take too long.

Then, After it's at 400F, leave the gas setting the same and see how long it takes to get the block on up to 800F.
My guess is, it's going to take a lot longer than it did to get it to 400F.
(I've never done this.. So, I might be wrong)!
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