15 thoughts on “Hybrid Solar Water Heater Installation”

  1. Why not just use a solar panel to generate electricity and put in a DC element in the tank. Also the way you laid the solar heaters on the roof will get all water trapped behind them when it rains.

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  2. I been working on a diy panel made of copper. My question is… how well will the upper pex hold when the water almost reaches boiling point? I read many stories of pex connections failing due to the heat. Have you had this problem yet? I am plannning on using 2 water heaters tank 1 will be the solar direct active solar and tank two will be connectected from tank 1 hot to tank 2 cold side. Tank 2 is the original tank still connecected to my 220vac while tank one wont have any power connected to it.

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  3. At night since both the hot and cold connection on the water heater are at the bottom convection cannot take place, so as a result all flow will stop. The condition you describe can only happen with the classic top connection and requires a checkvalve to prevent it.

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  4. If you don't have too many panels as the temperature of the water increases the losses in the tank and piping also increase and you reach a temperature below boiling. If you do have too many panels the excessive water temperature will cause the TPR valve of the water heater to open and discharge the hot water to be replaced by cold.

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  5. What will prevent the water heater to explode when the hot water usage is not present and the sun is out which will continue to add heat to the water heater while you are at work etc etc. ?
    What about at night? If you do not turn the valve off, you just heat the solar panel at night from your hot water heater since hot water will rise up even if the pump is turned off, and your gain will be lost again, it could cost you more on gas or electricity than what you gained .

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  6. how many panels are needed for a 80 liter boiler and could be connected in parallel to the upper entrance of cold water heater? regards

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  7. (at)indman101 Hi,

    yes this was in Southern California where there are only very occasional light freezes. For freezing climates a freeze valve or drainback tank is needed.

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