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Off Grid Project ... Water Heating
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The water temperature coming from our well in Southern Nevada is approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit. - While this is great if you want a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day, it is somewhat lacking if you want a steaming hot bath to ease your aching bones on a cold winter night.
The solution, of course, is to set up some type of water heater system that would use the heat of the sun to heat up the water.
After numerous attempts to utilize various types of materials we found that the most economical method achieving our goal was as follows ...
From our local plumbing supply company we purchased 2 coils of black 1 3/4 inch by 100 feet long flexible well pipe. - This is a pipe that is approved for drinking water and is made to withstand high pressures.
The following items were also needed ....
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Pipe connections (to connect the pipes together)
Pipe elbow connections (to make 90 degree turns)
Heavy duty pipe clamps (to secure the pipe connections to the pipes)
Various pieces and lengths of wood (we used strips of medium density fiberboard -MDF)
A roll of thick tar paper (the kind that you put on a roof)
Approximately 20 feet of hot water approved 3/4 inch PVC pipe
Two adapters to connect the well pipe to the hot water PVC pipe
Two copper hot water connection pipes
Five 3/4 inch shut-off valves
A roll of plumber's tape (to help seal the connections)
Here's a photograph of the connections ....
You'll have to modify the design for your own particular needs - but the basic configuration will remain the same.
The idea is to open the GREEN valves and close the BLUE valves during the summer so that the sun can heat up the water in the pipe on the roof. (Turn off your water heater & save energy)
Close the GREEN valves and open the BLUE valves during the winter to allow the water to be heated by your existing water heater. (Turn ON your water heater)
NOTE: .... A much more efficient system is currently in the process of being developed. - It will be posted on this web site in the near future. - Please check back for details.