PV Gap

April Said:

solar power to heat water at home (info)?

We Answered:

Most homes use electricity or natural gas to heat hot water. Solar power is heat from the sun, and that heat can be used to heat hot water instead of using electricity or gas. Most solar hot water heating systems can be divided into two types: passive (or "compact") and active (or "pumped").

Solar water heating systems have a high capital cost relative to the more common hot water heater, but their fuel costs are zero and they are durable, so they are a good investment on the long term, plus the environmental benefits.

Here's a good web site:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/de/solar_hotw…

Seth Said:

What materials transfer heat the furthest?

We Answered:

Thermal mass is one of the most important requirements, and water is great for heat transfer over distance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_mas…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_sol…
For others,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_mas…

Specific heat capacity is another consideration and, again, water is a good material.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_he…

An interesting additional possibility would be to concentrate the solar energy on a hydrogen-fin-fan arrangement, where the heated hydrogen would be cooled by the fins, and the fan would circulate house air through the fins to the internal living areas. The fan would be a Stirling engine, using an appropriate part of the available solar energy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUrB7KRvx…
http://www.google.com/search?q=Stirling+…

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Florence Said:

How much might solar heating and power add to home's value?

We Answered:

I say it does not add home value, and its not worth the expense ... No I would not purchase a home partially powered and heated using solar energy.

Lots of trouble.

Wesley Said:

who can put solar system to heat house swimming pool?

We Answered:

Block Poly Pipe is an option, but I don't recommend to put all of the flow through any solar system. You should put a tee in and a valve so it can be shut off and restricted. There is a trade off between the speed of the water and the amount of heat it will pick up. Also if you can build something to keep it out of the wind is best as well.

There are also many other options for solar heating systems. Most aren't so hard that someone with a little DIY knowledge can't do it them selves. For pre built options talk to a few local retail stores. Best to find smaller stores where you can talk to some one who knows something about the products.

Nellie Said:

Nukes and Coal or Wind turbines and Solar? What would Jesus choose to heat His home?

We Answered:

i heard that mined uranium is going to run out in about 50 years

coal has a couple of hundred years

wind and solar have a lot longer lifespan for a long-lived deity