| Solar Thermal Water Heater: Energy Savings |
From "Solar Solutions"
episode SLR-105 |
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Fifteen percent of the average family's electric bill is spent for the heating of water! The installation of a solar water heater costs about $7,000 in initial investment, but that cost can be easily recouped in energy savings in less than five years. This project can be a do-it-yourself project -- but with help. Even with a crew of several assistants -- including a professional -- the installation can take up to two days.
Homeowners Carol and Howard Runge investigated solar-powered water heaters and decided it was a good solution to meet their needs. Carol wanted a self-sufficient back-up system, while Howard wanted an economical method for reducing their overall energy costs.
The average family hot water usage is about 20 gallons per person each day. The Runges -- a family of four -- need about 80 gallons of output from their new system (but will also use old water heater as back-up storage). It takes about 1 square foot of solar panel to heat a gallon of water. Solar consultant and engineer Jeff Gilbert advised the Runge family to select three 44" x 89" panels to meet their needs.
Next, Gilbert and Howard Runge inspect the home to select a good location with a southern exposure. After selecting the location, Gilbert provides Runge with an overview of how the system -- including the individual components -- will work.
RESOURCES :
Solar Living Source Book: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living
Model: 0916571041
Author: John Schaeffer (Editor), Doug Pratt (Editor)
(Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook, 11th Ed)
Real Goods
Website: www.realgoods.com
The Solar Electric House: Energy for the Environmentally-Responsive, Energy-Independent Home
ISBN: 0963738321
Author: Steven J. Strong, William G. Scheller
Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
Solar Buildings
Covers zero-energy building and other solar technologies.
Solar Buildings
Website: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/
U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
Website: www1.eere.energy.gov/solar
Solar Power System Consulting and Installation (Chesapeake Wind & Solar)
Chesapeake Wind & Solar
Website: www.cwsenergy.com
Solar Thermal Collector Panels (Heliodyne)
Model: Gobi 3366
Heliodyne
Website: www.heliodyne.com
Solar Water Heater Tank (Vaughn)
Model: 120-gallon stone lined tank with 2 heat exchangers
Vaughn Corporation
Website: www.vaughncorp.com
Solar Tank Thermostat Controller (Thermomax)
Thermomax
Website: www.thermomax.com/usdt2001.htm
Solar Water Heater System Circulator Pump (Bell & Gossett)
Bell & Gossett
Website: www.bellgossett.com
GUESTS :
Jeff Gilbert
Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder
Chesapeake Wind & Solar LLC
Website: www.cwsenergy.com
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