Tapping the sun. An Arizona homeowner's guide to buying a solar domestic hot water system

Technical Report · Sat Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5283778

Anderson, M R; Kimball, J A

After a brief review of the nation's energy problems, the nature of solar energy and its availability are briefly described. Some commonly asked technical, economic, and political questions concerning solar domestic hot water systems are addressed. Generic solar water heating systems are described, including diagrams of them and explanations of how they work. System sizing is discussed, and methods and worksheets are provided for estimating hot water usage and appropriate tank and collector sizes. A worksheet is provided and explained for calculating how much money can be saved by a solar water heating system. System warranties are reviewed, and the interpretation and use of performance standards and ratings are discussed. Points are reviewed of which the buyer must be aware before purchasing a solar water heating system. Information resources are listed. (LEW)

• Research Organization: Arizona Solar Energy Research Commission, Phoenix (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-79SF10527
• OSTI ID: 5283778
• Report Number(s): DOE/SF/10527-T1; ON: DE82007582
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140907* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Water Heating
APPLIANCES
ARIZONA
CALCULATION METHODS
CONSUMER GUIDES
CONTAINERS
DESIGN
DIFFUSE SOLAR RADIATION
DIRECT SOLAR RADIATION
DRAIN-DOWN SYSTEMS
ECONOMICS
EQUIPMENT
FEDERAL REGION IX
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FREEZE PROTECTION
HEATERS
INSTALLATION
MAINTENANCE
NORTH AMERICA
PERFORMANCE
RADIATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
SIZING
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR FLUX
SOLAR RADIATION
SOLAR WATER HEATERS
STANDARDS
STELLAR RADIATION
TANKS
TAXES
THERMOSYPHONS
USA
WARRANTIES
WATER HEATERS
WATER REQUIREMENTS