They just sit in the sun and get hot. [Design and construction of breadbox solar water heaters]
The design and construction of breadbox solar water heaters and suggestions for homeowner-built units are presented. The breadbox design requires a glass lined water tank stripped of insulation, the outer casing, and heating element. The tank is painted black and housed in an insulated box with south-facing glazing and an insulated lid that may incorporate a reflector. When the unit is plumbed to the cold water line, the normal pressure of the incoming water line moves the water through the tank. Small systems preheat water before a conventional water heater while large systems, such as six 40-gal tanks in sequence, can provide a large portion of the hot water load. Systems cost about $200-500 to construct. Instructions for building the water heater are provided.
- OSTI ID:
- 5628619
- Journal Information:
- Sunset; (United States), Journal Name: Sunset; (United States) Vol. 163:3; ISSN SNSTA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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