PV Gap

Nina Said:

Can anyone help me find plans for making my own solar heating panels?

We Answered:

Contact a company called Atmos

Darryl Said:

can I combine solar heating panels with a combi gas boiler?

We Answered:

Hello Simon.
The answer is yes maybe.
The fact is that the jury is still out on this question as the panel needs to heat the water before it enters the boiler when demanded.
This obviously means that you have to have a cylinder of hot water to feed the combi.
You might as well therefore have a conventional set up as there are no advantages in having a combi.
Combi's are nothing but aggro. anyway.
However I certainly won't put you off solar water heating.
I have just fitted a 2M. square solar water heater panel to my bungalow. Just me and the trouble, and gas water heating is a thing of the past.
2M. panel. £200.00.
Pump. 25.00.
Controller. 25.00.
Photo Cell. 25.00
Plumbing. 50.00.
Up and running for circa. £350.00.
And I am as happy as Larry.
Contact Neil at REUK for bits and advice.
BB.

Justin Said:

What direction should solar panels on the roof be directed for maximum daytime heating?

We Answered:

It would be best to ask a professional installation company, or other folks in your area with solar heat, for what works best.

It will be something west of north, since the afternoon air temperatures are presumably higher than the morning temperatures. If the temperature is the same all day, then due north.

In the northern hemisphere, I seem to remember someone saying 220 degrees southwest was the best for them, but that's an individual experience. Who knows, maybe they have morning fog that burns off later.

Cheryl Said:

Why are most houses in hot countries painted white? Why are Solar Heating panels painted black?

We Answered:

Actually, heat is due to the infrared rays, UV rays, and even visual rays of the sun. Something is seen as the color white due to the fact that all wavelengths in the visual spectrum are reflected. This is key, because that means that an entire part of the reason something is heated is now reflected. This will make the house cooler, though it will still absorb other radiation, i.e. UV and infrared.

Solar heating panels are black because we perceive a black color due to the fact that the object absorbs all visual light wavelengths. this will help heat the water in the device

Jorge Said:

Does anyone know of a company in the St. Louis area that services solar heating panels?

We Answered:

try looking in the phone book.