SUN = Heat = Hot water.

 

       

 

What you need to know.

•  Because the sun rises in the east, crosses over the horizon on the south and sets in the west, you want your collector to face as much true south on your roof or ground location as possible. While less desirable, a west or even an east facing water or space heating system can work well especially with an additional collector. Naturally it is important that there not be any shading where the collectors will go!

 

•  The collector angle (known as tilt) should be at least 15 degrees up from horizontal, (a typical roof angle is 15 to 32 degrees) additional tilt usually has little effect on total year round performance unless you are in an area with very sunny winters like the prairies and mountain regions.

 

•  On hot water systems, you need a good "path" for your two solar lines to go from your tank to your south facing roof. It is desirable that this "path" be under 30 feet (one way), but up to 70 feet (if well insulated) is OK.

 

•  You may also be able to use your existing electric water heater or you can add a low cost water heater for solar storage to your existing water heater. For efficiency, it is not recommended to hook up a solar loop to a gas water heater unless the gas will be turned off during sunny weather, better you use a instant water heater with a solar option witch will heat up only on demand.

 

• Space heating is as simple as it gets. Install it - and let the sun do the rest.