Shows my container design just using a glass storm door for access.
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9 Responses to DIY Solar Batch Water Heater Build Part 1
That’s the way to go. Recycled materials to make everything. You could also use old stoves to get the tempered glass from too and make your metal box with. Anybody wanting to toss ideas around please email me at Buddgha@gmail.com. Would definitely enjoy getting feedback on ideas and get more info from experienced DIY builders.
I’m with you on the water vs air approach. This is a nice design so far. You usually see a collector to heat the water and then send it to holding tank. I wouldn’t have thought about heating the tank directly.
My solar water heater is working great, as long as I have a good sunny day I can expect temps over 140F. Yesterday afternoon I took a long hot shower and checked the temp right afterwards. I had 108F entering the primary water heater and it had not fired up. I still need to seal up some air leaks though as I’m losing too much heat during the night. Morning temps vary depending on how cold it was during the night its at 83F now but its a 63F morning.
I saw another video where they thought so too. They tested both with and without the backs and sides being reflective. And found that the box actually performed better with it being black.
That’s the way to go. Recycled materials to make everything. You could also use old stoves to get the tempered glass from too and make your metal box with. Anybody wanting to toss ideas around please email me at Buddgha@gmail.com. Would definitely enjoy getting feedback on ideas and get more info from experienced DIY builders.
buddgha
March 16, 2013 at 3:55 am
Your friend was generous to give you all the foam insulation. My batch system has no backup. The tank is a used 50 gal electric I bought for $5
baddoggie101
March 16, 2013 at 4:22 am
its better to be all black to absorb the most heat and cook the tank in the box
poiterism
March 16, 2013 at 5:16 am
wow, you’re quite a scrounger (great find with the glass and foam!). Nice looking batch heater too! Cool!
cantecleer
March 16, 2013 at 6:13 am
I’m with you on the water vs air approach. This is a nice design so far. You usually see a collector to heat the water and then send it to holding tank. I wouldn’t have thought about heating the tank directly.
ScalerWave
March 16, 2013 at 6:24 am
My solar water heater is working great, as long as I have a good sunny day I can expect temps over 140F. Yesterday afternoon I took a long hot shower and checked the temp right afterwards. I had 108F entering the primary water heater and it had not fired up. I still need to seal up some air leaks though as I’m losing too much heat during the night. Morning temps vary depending on how cold it was during the night its at 83F now but its a 63F morning.
Alvin Shepherd
March 16, 2013 at 6:53 am
I saw another video where they thought so too. They tested both with and without the backs and sides being reflective. And found that the box actually performed better with it being black.
Alvin Shepherd
March 16, 2013 at 7:39 am
Wouldn’t you want the inside of the box to be silver, or reflective, to reflect as much sunlight as possible back on to the tank?
GoatHollow
March 16, 2013 at 7:44 am
I’m very interested in this…will be looking forward to the updates.
boat6868
March 16, 2013 at 8:33 am