PV Gap

Maureen Said:

I need a homeade way to make a solar panel to heat water?

We Answered:

Making a black plastic container with a large surface area will do it. I worked at an archaeology field camp out in the mountains one summer and we took hot showers every day by filling these things called "sun showers". They were black plastic 10-liter bags with a screw on lid at one end to fill it up and a hose with a clamp valve and spray head at the other. We would fill them every morning after breakfast and then lay them out in the sun. By supper time they would be over 100 degrees and we would each take one and hang it on a hook above us in a shower room we built out of boards and tarps and be able to take a nice long hot shower.

Here's an article and photo of the bag:

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/…

Barry Said:

Water pumped with help from a solar panel?

We Answered:

It is very possible and done all the time. However, it's not cheap. A solar powered submersible pump that can handle that depth is around $700. http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Wat… Then you'd need a solar panel about 65W, $350, http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Pan…

Carlos Said:

Is there any solar panel which can heat the water and also charge the batteries simultaneously?

We Answered:

The proper operating temperature for solar cells is too low to produce hot water that is worth the cost of plumbing. Water cooled solar cells exist, especially when a lens to concentrate the sun is added, but the output water is below 110F to preserve the efficiency and pumping the relatively small volume of not very hot water as input to a hot water heater or house heat doesn't gain much against the cost and maintenance of pump and piping and heat exchanger if in a freezing climate.

Howard Said:

Why is a solar water heater storage tank placed at higher level than the solar panel itself?

We Answered:

Hey Glenn, don't know if you'll get this in time for the exam, but I will post it anyway. The only solar water heaters that need to have the storage tank above the panel are the thermo siphon types. When solar hot water was new, these were the only kind. The sun would heat the water during the day, and when the water in the solar collector exceeded the temperature in the tank, it would be lighter due to thermal expansion, so gravity would slowly force it into the tank, which displaced cooler water from the tank back into the collector. They worked the same as the old heatalaters built into stone fireplaces years ago. Most domestic hot water, or dhw solar systems today use a circulation pump to force the hot water from the collector to the tank, which is typically in the basement. The pump is usually driven by a small solar electric panel sitting along side the larger solar water collector. They work well together because when the sun is shining, it is warming the water the same time the pump is getting electricity.

Really there are some good websites to learn about this stuff rather than asking hacks like me online for your information, I will list some resources below you can google when you have time. Good luck, and take care, Rudydoo

Rodney Said:

solar panel water heater, How much?

We Answered:

Before you go running out to purchase anything, I would encourage you to do your research first...contact your local dealers and get as much information about the area in which you are located (notice any differences between your area and other areas as the product 'may' vary), ask a professional for assistance in selecting your 'particular' solar panel...figure out your 'return' (how much your solar panel will cost versus the length of time you plan to be in your home and how much you will save)...sometimes the most expensive simply isn't the best product, check it out...if you aren't proficient at installation, hire a professional...I hope this helps a little...and, thanks for your efforts in helping us all...