How about using galvanized steel pipe? - Page 2

Daox · 03-15-10, 12:05 PM

Good to hear updates! Still looking forward to pics though.

Solar Mike · 04-25-10, 08:48 PM

Hi

If you make the solar loop a closed one, then once the oxygen in the water is used up no more rust will occur. So you may be able to use the galv pipes.

I once built a collector from 2 sheets 8 x 4 of very thin galv iron think it was 26 gauge.
Glue the two sheets approx 1/8 inch apart by running lines of silicone rubber top to bottom approx every 2 inches then sit the sheets on top of one another and wait to cure, run bead around edges to form top and bottom header areas. pre-drill 1/2 inch hole top and bottom and solder couple pieces copper tube for connections. Spray paint one side matt black with an etch primer.

This arrangement wont withstand a lot of pressure but certainly worked ok. Dont know how long it will last as I scrapped it after a few months as I wanted the metal for something else. Was almost impossible to separate the two sheets so could last for some years in a closed loop setup, just use rubber isolators between the panels and any of your copper plumbing.

I got an even sheet spacing by running lengths of cord top to bottom, then quickly run the silicone between, laid the two sheets together and weighted down with some wood. When set pulled the cord out.

Cheers
Mike

GaryGary · 04-26-10, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gascort

well, I've failed in the photo update department. The panel is going well and will hopefully be completed this coming Wednesday and we'll be able to test soon thereafter and see how it works. It's looking pretty good thus far.

Hi,
Would love to see the pictures. Maybe DOAX could give you some help with getting them posted, or you can send them to me, and I'll put them up on a page at my site.

Gary

03-15-10, 12:05 PM	#11
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Good to hear updates! Still looking forward to pics though. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-25-10, 08:48 PM	#12
Solar Mike Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Hi If you make the solar loop a closed one, then once the oxygen in the water is used up no more rust will occur. So you may be able to use the galv pipes. I once built a collector from 2 sheets 8 x 4 of very thin galv iron think it was 26 gauge. Glue the two sheets approx 1/8 inch apart by running lines of silicone rubber top to bottom approx every 2 inches then sit the sheets on top of one another and wait to cure, run bead around edges to form top and bottom header areas. pre-drill 1/2 inch hole top and bottom and solder couple pieces copper tube for connections. Spray paint one side matt black with an etch primer. This arrangement wont withstand a lot of pressure but certainly worked ok. Dont know how long it will last as I scrapped it after a few months as I wanted the metal for something else. Was almost impossible to separate the two sheets so could last for some years in a closed loop setup, just use rubber isolators between the panels and any of your copper plumbing. I got an even sheet spacing by running lengths of cord top to bottom, then quickly run the silicone between, laid the two sheets together and weighted down with some wood. When set pulled the cord out. Cheers Mike