09-20-11, 08:55 AM | #1 |
Lex Parsimoniae
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heliatos 2'x2' collectors
SW-37 Solar Water Heater Panels (White) I think these may have a small run of 1/4" copper inside.. It seems like you would need to put a few of these in parallel to create a usable quantity of hot water. |
09-20-11, 09:51 AM | #2 |
Helper EcoRenovator
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Even if person had to put 4 or 6 of these together,they should be easy to handle.
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09-20-11, 10:21 AM | #3 |
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The issue is they're so tiny. That is only 4 sq/ft. You'd need at least a half dozen of them to put a dent in your hot water usage. Now, you have to mount six panels instead of one and you have to connect them all, make sure they don't leak, make sure the penetrations in your roof (if roof mounted) don't leak... Pros and cons I suppose. I think I'd rather have larger collectors. But, I want to use mine for space heating and DHW so I need a lot more surface area than just DHW.
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09-20-11, 10:27 AM | #4 |
Lex Parsimoniae
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Did you see the little under-the-sink on-demand unit?
I think that the killer app for these small collectors.. Heliatos Point of Use Solar Water Heating System - YouTube |
09-20-11, 11:08 AM | #5 |
Master EcoRenovator
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I've seen a few people buy "trade show" displays that are that size for use on their RV, cabin or for the small home of a single person, not at all practical for heating all of the water of a house with a family in it, but like they show in the video, great for single use areas, now imagine if it was mounted on the south wall of that same house instead of 9 feet up, on the roof.
Of course that system is simple because it doesn't have to have a heat exchanger to help with freezing temps, but that is minor. |
09-20-11, 12:44 PM | #6 |
Lex Parsimoniae
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When I saw how small these panels were in the video, I remembered TheycallmeDave's little 3'x3' setup..
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/solar-...html#post14791 Which does the job for him.. |
09-20-11, 12:46 PM | #7 |
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True, it definitely could work for someone if they use it properly.
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09-20-11, 03:24 PM | #8 |
Master EcoRenovator
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For $95 I may order one up and install it as my only panel. Get the permit for a hotwater install signed off and the inspector out of here then add the home built panels. Still illegal but if someone calls to complain the install is on record...
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09-21-11, 09:41 AM | #9 |
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What part is illegal? Having the panel on the roof?
When are the Governments going to get out of the way and let us do the things we need to do to save money and improve our lives? |
09-21-11, 11:11 AM | #10 |
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having any none CSA or equivalent certified equipment hooked up is illegal in canada. looking at the testing requirements they're basically worried that the covering may break or the panel may fly off the roof
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