PV Gap

Alberto Said:

Help needed to construct a solar panel to boil water !!!?

We Answered:

I think the below mentioned site will help you make a thermal heater at low cost for your project.

http://www.thesietch.org/projects/solart…

Bonnie Said:

what is the optimal angle of tilt for a solar panel at 30degreesN latitude used for domestic water heating?

We Answered:

Generally, your best year round performance is at latitude, so 30 degrees, facing true south (not magnetic south). If you want to maximize winter performance, for example at my house where I'm also using it for heating my radiant floors in the winter, you want to be at latitude plus 15 degrees, or 45 degrees, to get a straight shot at the low winter sun. That also helps the snow slide off in the winter (I'm betting at 30 degree latitude, you don't have to worry about that). If you are using this for a summer cottage and don't care about winter, you want it at latitude plus 15 degrees to optimize when the sun is high in the sky.

Another answer is to tilt it at whatever your roof is angled at. Looking good on the roof and getting whatever performance you get is also a great option. If your best angle is 30 and your roof is at 25, then perfect, tilt it at 25 and accept that you may loose a couple of percentage points of your potential.