Thread: Solar Hot Water heaters

^Those look like they will do the trick for Dr Andy.

Might be in a previous post but will the solar heater be used in the main house only?

Also, what will be used for hot water out? Copper pipe?

Lovely pics, FF.

If you've got any close-up details of the pipework closer to the tank, I'd be most interested.

I'm currently thinking about the feasibility of manufacturing solar rigs in Laos, based on a new panel design concept. Those selling prices look to be fairly useful. These beasts are not cheap over here, that's for sure.

Only two pictures I took, full res give no added value for plumbing

Originally Posted by watterinja

I'm currently thinking about the feasibility of manufacturing solar rigs in Laos, based on a new panel design concept. Those selling prices look to be fairly useful. These beasts are not cheap over here, that's for sure.

Looked for pics on the net but seem to be none with detail.

Google Image Result for http://www.egat.com/en/images/stories/pic_egat/enesol.jpg

^^ Ok, that's fine. Blew them up a little & it looks like the rear loop is a make-up line. I'll patch together with some other stuff I've got. Thanks...

^^ Thanks Norton. Seems like a few pics in the directory - I'll scout around, but they're probably only thumbnails.

What if you purchased lengths of copper tube yourself & a pipe bender? Only have the joiners assist when you need final closure. Copper pipe is easy to bend (long radius bends) - get it while the price is still relatively low. You could even silver solder the joints yourself - it's really not that difficult.

Yes Watt, I have done a fair bit in the UK, not difficult

I had thought about it but feel there are more interesting things to spend my time on

actually, most of the time a pipe bender is not necessary anyway. So, I shall rush out and buy a flame gun, silver solder and flux

I shall have to make sure that the various outlets correspond to the positions they should be in, esp the shower etc

yes, I have done it wrongly before!

hi garyk
I love the esky (coolbox). Does it deform with the hot water in it?
Do you have hot water in the early morning? Is that a galvanised sheet of iron?
How much did it cost? Oh man I love it.
Cheers johpam

It doesn't warp, holds hot water all night. And is cheap. The one you see is one my neighbor had and is probibly 10-15 years old. They gave it to me. That is pretty cheap.

as in your other thread, the holding tank is no problem, the solar plate needs some information

Solar Water Heating Projects and Plans

It so turns out that this garyk was a pure charlatan. When pressed on 'his' idea, all he did was to go around in circles, never answering the questions. In pm's he seems to be a compulsive liar - unfortunately.

In the end, his claim was to just be 'having a bit of fun'. Doubt the original unit was ever his design to start with.

I have a 99฿ 60l gray bin from macro, for gravity fed irrigation. It's out in the sun all day and it's full very warm water by the afternoon. You don't need anything too suphistacted unless you are up on a mountain.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Not water,….but here is a solar site.

Hope you get a lot of information (I am curious, also). I was thinking about setting up a system at the Khon Kean home and when I was looking around I found this site,………..

http://www.leonics.com/html/en/pd_ecs/pd_ecs_ses.php#shs

Hope it gets you started.

They have an office in BKK

Office
Address:
119/50-51 Moo 8 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangna, Bangkok 10260, THAILAND
Telephone number:
(66) 2746-9500, (66) 2746-8708
Fax number:
(66) 2746-8712
Office time:
8.00 - 17.30 Monday - Friday



And they might be able to help you in your area????????? I think I read it someplace on their site.

.
S Landreth - that link didn't work but this one should:
http://www.leonics.com
.

Originally Posted by hazz

I have a 99฿ 60l gray bin from macro, for gravity fed irrigation. It's out in the sun all day and it's full very warm water by the afternoon. You don't need anything too suphistacted unless you are up on a mountain.

well, that works when it is warm and sunny, but useless when cloudy

Good solar panels can pick up warmth even when cloudy and cool

the recent three day cloudy spell in CM was a nice test for mine. Whilst the temperature of the water went down quite a lot, it was still nice and warm for a shower

when sunny, it is necessary to add lots of cold water as it is so bloody hot, but when cloudy, using the hot water straight was possible. Of course, there is an electrical back-up but that spoils the whole idea

Thanks for that update DrAndy I was wondering how well the solar water heaters would work with the cold and cloudy weather of late.

If you are serious about solar hot water, you will look at the following link:

Solahart : Solar hot water systems - beat rising energy costs

Solahart are good quality but very over-priced

they have a local agent come around with lots of nice brochures and price list

but cost nearly 40% more than other good panels

Originally Posted by Nawty

Not plastic pipe/components DP.....looks like pvc, but much thicker, but ain't pvc....can handle very high temp no problem.

The pipe I think you're talking about is called PP-R, in this part of the world it's usually green. It's generally used instead of copper these days for hot water, but is also commonly used for presurised cold water lines as well.

Never use the blue type PVC or that bendy red type pipe for hot water or presurised water lines, it will come back to haunt you. PP-R is fusion welded, so can handle pretty high pressures.

It's not that expensive either, here in Cambodia the 20mmx1.9mm pipe that can can handle 10 bar and is common in homes is only $0.46 per meter. The only problem is that you need to find someone who knows how to install it and has a welding machine, although it's not rocket science, you can probably buy the machine yourself for under $100.

I saw some of that green stuff in Homepro

they only had the fittings, not the pipe!