ianganderton
Auckland, NZ
So I’m wondering if it’s possible to DIY a solar water heater on a PV panel so it’s dual purpose. We all know solar panels get hot so why not use that energy to heat a small tank in a camper van for warm showers and washing dishes.
This idea is probably commercially available but I haven’t seen it
can folks give me a bit input to fill in the gaps of what I know.
So I’m thinking of snaking a load of pipe across the back of a PV panel to transfer that heat into an Antifreeze liquid inside. That liquid would then transfer the heat into a small insulated hot water container enough for 2 showers
any ideas on the best kind of pipe to use for the back of the panel? I’m thinking it would be enclosed to help more efficient heat transfer. Is there any square or flat sided piping so a side can sit against the panel for more surface area
Any ideas on how to transfer the heat into the water in a small (15 litres, 4 gallons) tank?
What pressure release valves etc are needed in a system like this?
Any links to websites with info gratefully recieved.
If PV panels are 20%ish efficient and water heating tubes are 50%ish efficient what would the efficiency of a double duty DIY panel be?
This idea is probably commercially available but I haven’t seen it
can folks give me a bit input to fill in the gaps of what I know.
So I’m thinking of snaking a load of pipe across the back of a PV panel to transfer that heat into an Antifreeze liquid inside. That liquid would then transfer the heat into a small insulated hot water container enough for 2 showers
any ideas on the best kind of pipe to use for the back of the panel? I’m thinking it would be enclosed to help more efficient heat transfer. Is there any square or flat sided piping so a side can sit against the panel for more surface area
Any ideas on how to transfer the heat into the water in a small (15 litres, 4 gallons) tank?
What pressure release valves etc are needed in a system like this?
Any links to websites with info gratefully recieved.
If PV panels are 20%ish efficient and water heating tubes are 50%ish efficient what would the efficiency of a double duty DIY panel be?