[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Solar water heater

[Lawrence Lile]

I'm looking at some of the same issues right now, and also looking for
some recommendations. 

Drainback systems, I have read, are the most problematic of all solar
systems, and many companies don't recommend them.  If you have freezing
issues, go with non-toxic propylene glycol and a heat exchanger. 

Thermosyphon systems are OK if you have exactly the right geometry
between your collector and the storage tank.  They won't tolerate
freezing without glycol solution though.  



Lawrence Lile, PE, LEED AP
Project Solutions Engineering
-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Ian
Remmler
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:15 PM
To: greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [BULK] [Greenbuilding] Solar water heater
Importance: Low

Hello,

I'm considering my options for water heating in a new house.  A
friend pointed me to the SunMaxx TS thermosyphon solar heater
made by Silicon Solar.

http://sunmaxxsolar.com/sunmaxx-ts-thermosyphon-solar-hot-water-kit-30g.
php

This looks like a pretty inexpensive option for solar at
$1558.70 (with shipping it will be a bit over $2k).  I like that
the system is passive, except for resistive electrical backup.
One annoying thing about it is that it comes on a frame designed
for flat installation, and there is no option for sloped roof
installation, so I'd have to modify the frame or something.

Does anyone have experience with this type of passive
thermosyphon heater?  How do they compare to drainback setups?
Do other makers have similar products, hopefully that can be
mounted on a sloped roof?

Thanks for any help.

-- 
    - Ian.

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