Solar thermal heater

[Decacraft]

Has anyone on here experimented with one?
Have been watching some videos, and would find one hand for washing up, hands etc throughout the day.

Have thought about using a 10l water tank if that would work somehow?

 

[gra_farmer]

Any container dark in colour and holds water will heat up and give you warm to hot water.

I set up a load of old radiators, painted black on a farm roof once for passive hot / warm water, just connected together with hose pipe, mains water in and hot water down and out.

 

[Mesquite]

Any container dark in colour and holds water will heat up and give you warm to hot water.

I set up a load of old radiators, painted black on a farm roof once for passive hot / warm water, just connected together with hose pipe, mains water in and hot water down and out.

How well did it work?

 

[TLM]

Simple solar heaters are used all over the Med for water heating, works. In mid summer works also higher up north but tends to require concentrators the farther up one goes.

 

[TeeDee]

Simple solar heaters are used all over the Med for water heating, works. In mid summer works also higher up north but tends to require concentrators the farther up one goes.

Really?

 

[TLM]

Really?

Really, actually the amount of energy received at higher latitudes at summer solstice is greater IF clear and sunny but it never is. Also as the nights are cooler more insulation is required to counter heat loss, both convective and radiation.

Fairly simple physics.

 

[TeeDee]

Really, actually the amount of energy received at higher latitudes at summer solstice is greater IF clear and sunny but it never is. Also as the nights are cooler more insulation is required to counter heat loss, both convective and radiation.

Fairly simple physics.

Amazing.

 

[TLM]

Amazing.

Not really.

 

[gra_farmer]

How well did it work?

Near enough boiling at the height of summer, to 20 degrees in winter, so hit and miss

It worked for our needs, which was mainly washing hands on the farm, the temperature lowered as the mains water was drawn through. In hot sunny weather, we filled buckets up and allowed it to cool.

Rust / discolouration was the main issue, when water was standing, but when used continuously it was fine.

 

[TeeDee]

Near enough boiling at the height of summer, to 20 degrees in winter, so hit and miss

It worked for our needs, which was mainly washing hands on the farm, the temperature lowered as the mains water was drawn through. In hot sunny weather, we filled buckets up and allowed it to cool.

Rust / discolouration was the main issue, when water was standing, but when used continuously it was fine.

Solar thermal tends to get knocked because it can't provide Hot water throughout the year for free.

My view is that I'd rather have half of something for free if it benefits me and or the planet.

Half of the energy spent heating is 50% improvement/ better than no energy saved.

 

[Decacraft]

Exactly my thoughts, it's for the farm, so if I can wash my hands with something that requires no fire or attention during the day, and maybe a quick shower and dishes.

In the summer it means I don't have to have a fire on the go, in the winter I usually have a fire going in the cabin so half time free would be great