Solar Slang » Solar heating

Is solar thermal heating using a water to air heat exchanger really efficient?

Gordy Perry — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:22:15 +0000

I’m considering doing a solar water heater and getting a large storage tank to let me partially heat the house by doing a heat exchanger from the tank for our furnace. Is it worth trying?

Solar Heating for In-Ground Swimming Pools – Start Saving On Heating Bills

Gordy Perry — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:28:32 +0000

With growing concerns about money and the environment, many people are looking for ways to reduce their spending while also reducing their negative impact on the planet. This is also true for owners of in-ground swimming pools, many of whom are now turning away from traditional heating methods and embracing solar pool heating to keep their pools warm. With many different types of solar pool heating options available today, pool owners have a wide variety of solar pool heating systems and products to choose from, which range in price, effectiveness and ease-of-use. By allowing you to harness free energy from the sun, solar pool heating products provide slashed utility costs as well as the peace of mind that comes with using a green, renewable energy source. Solar pool blankets and reels for in-ground pools represent one of the most widely used solar pool heating options. In-ground solar pool blankets are covered with thousands of tiny sealed air pockets which act as insulators as well as heat transmitters. As a result, in-ground solar pool blankets capture heat from the sun and transfer it into the pool water, raising the water temperature by up to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, the special design of these pool covers greatly reduces evaporation, thereby preventing water and heat loss. Solar pool blankets are available in a variety of thicknesses (usually between 8-mil to 16-mil), each with their own features & length of warranty so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your pool and your budget. Although solar swimming pool blankets can be large and somewhat cumbersome to handle, there are many different models of in-ground solar pool reels available that make using solar blankets far easier. Together, in-ground solar pool blankets and reels provide a very popular way to use solar energy to raise the temperature of pool water and to extend the swimming season. For those who would like an alternative to solar pool blankets and reels for in-ground pools, there are many other options to choose from, including solar sun rings. Solar sun rings consist of two layers of UV resistant vinyl. The top clear layer holds insulating air and also serves to focus sunlight on the bottom blue layer. The blue layer absorbs approximately half of the sunlight, converting it into heat energy. Several solar sun rings are used together and are set on the surface of the pool’s water. The rings join together to create an insulating blanket which covers 70 to 80 percent of the water’s surface. By leaving 20 to 30 percent of the surface uncovered, solar rings still allow sunlight to directly reach some of the water, which keeps the water healthier and helps to prevent the growth of algae. Many pool owners prefer using solar sun rings over solar pool blankets and reels for in-ground pools as they are easy for one person to handle, they are highly efficient and they feature a safe design which prevents accidental entrapment. In addition to sun rings and in-ground solar pool blankets and reels, you can also use solar pills and sun pool domes to provide solar pool heating for your swimming pool. Solar pills are designed to be placed in the pump basket and release a swimmer-friendly compound which spreads across the surface of the pool, forming an invisible shield which inhibits heat evaporation. Solar pills work for 24 hours per day and last for up to 30 days. However, it’s important to note that while solar pills provide ultimate convenience, they are only about 60 percent as effective as in-ground solar pool blankets.

Sun pool domes provide another great way to use the sun’s energy as a heating source for your swimming pool. Typically constructed from vinyl and aluminum, sun pool domes provide a complete enclosure for your swimming pool, preventing heat loss and also helping to keep your pool clean. Although the initial assembly will take some time, sun pool domes are designed to be easily set up and taken down and will keep your pool warm and well-protected throughout the season with very little work on your part once installed. Sun pool domes and all of the other above solar pool heating options can be used in tandem with an electric or gas pool heater or a heat pump. However, they can also be used on their own, providing very green options for heating your pool. If you are truly serious about going green with regards to heating your in-ground swimming pool, there are high quality solar pool heating systems available that you may wish to consider. For example, the SunGrabber in-ground solar pool heating system uses solar panels which are designed to be mounted either on the roof of your house, on a rack or on the ground. Lightweight and easy to winterize, the SunGrabber system provides maximum heat transfer and comes with a 10 year warranty. The Hi-Deluxe solar pool heating system is also an excellent option. Featuring a special tube-on-fin design, this system makes use of 70 to 94 percent of the available solar energy, allowing for outstanding performance and optimal solar heating results. With the availability of solar heating kits for a variety of different solar heating options, it’s easy to buy exactly what you need for installation and use. From in-ground solar pool reels and blankets to sun pool domes and solar pool heating systems with solar panels, there are convenient solar heating kits that will allow you to start harnessing the sun’s free energy quickly and easily so you can enjoy an extended swimming season while saving money and reducing your negative impact on the environment.

All About Solar Water Heating

Gordy Perry — Mon, 31 May 2010 03:50:02 +0000

Most homeowners would love to lower their utility costs and household expenses, and if they could do so while helping to slow global warming and reduce their own “carbon footprint” all the better. These are the primary reasons that many people seek out alternative energies from the sun, wind or water. Today, millions of homeowners enjoy a remarkable amount of financial relief through the installation of solar panels that collect and generate energy as well as provide domestic hot water supplies. To date, there is no single all-encompassing application that provides a single alternative energy answer to the numerous systems throughout any home – just as there is no single traditional energy answer for an entire home. While there are currently no solar technologies that can completely eliminate a home or property owner’s need for traditional electric or utility suppliers, there are several systems that can be incorporated into a home or building’s existing systems to help reduce emissions, cost and energy consumption. One of the simplest systems to address is the domestic hot water supply. To incorporate a solar water heating system into an existing or conventional system requires three essential components: solar panels or collectors, a transfer system, and an appropriate hot water cylinder. Generally, it is suggested that a professional install, or at least design, the system to be utilized. This is because a solar water heating system has several factors to be considered before being purchased and installed. First, an ample supply of southern facing roofing must be available to meet the needs of the required system. Generally, evacuated tube systems will require significantly less roof space than the more traditional flat plate systems. Next, the existing system must be analyzed in order to see if it is suitable for a second solar water-heating boiler to be added. Currently, most combi boilers are not suitable for any solar water heating systems to be incorporated. Finally, budgetary concerns must be addressed to select the most affordable system for a homeowner’s financial capability. Financially, the “average” installation of a solar water heating system can save a home or property owner a significant amount of their annual fuel or energy expense and should be figured into the cost of purchasing and installing a solar heating system. Today, most solar water heating experts in the United Kingdom recommend the installation of evacuated tube systems. They are doing so for several reasons. First, the evacuated tube systems operate at much more effective levels under low-light and cold weather conditions. Because this is a frequent pattern in the United Kingdom the more reliable function of the evacuated tube systems are making it the preferred installation. Secondly, the evacuated tube systems require a lower amount of space for equal performance, which adds to the aesthetic as well as functional value. Finally, evacuated tube systems have very limited maintenance required and they do not allow for some of the traditional problems of flat plate panels which can frequently suffer from standing water and broken seal conditions.

how to build a model of a passive solar heating house?

Gordy Perry — Sat, 22 May 2010 22:49:44 +0000

for science class ww have to build a passive solar heating model house and it must also have good insulation. i dont understand how u can make the house run on solar energy. my science teacher is givin 20 bucks to the best model. i can use any materials, besides things like solar panels or course. how should i start? ill work on the scaling later…

Facts About Solar Energy Systems

Gordy Perry — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:49:08 +0000

Solar Energy Systems The use of solar energy or solar panels, has been catching on during tha last year or so. Originally due to the “Go Green” mentality , solar energy and wind turbine was a great way for us to conserve energy and be apart of earth conservation. But the recent boom in home made energy efforts , combined with current economic climate, leads many to believe that saving money is the newest reason for the solar energy upswing. Solar Energy Help Solar energy systems are actually not that complicated to build. Fpr the most part you can get everything you need from home depot. For under $150 , many have constructed 2 or 3 solar panels in there backyard, and some have even made small ones for the roof. Some Facts About Solar Energy The average household uses about 850 kilowatt hours a month, about $90. 30% of which is used solely for heating water. With lights being a close second place in over all usage. Solar energy panels that can be bought are around $10,000 for a 10×10 foot Solar System. Solar energy can –

Be used for creating electricity Dry clothes Heat water through the use of Photovoltaic cells Be used for powering cars Heat swimming pools Be used for lighting and small appliances Even be used for heating food

Standard Solar Systems Premade-

Usually about 10 ft x 10 ft Typically creates 1000 watts of energy (Burn a light bulb for 10 hours) 1600 hours of electricity a year.(Considering you get 5 hours of sunlight a day) Saves 170 lbs. of coal from being burned Stops 300 lbs of CO2 from being released Cost $10,000 Energy can be stored in batteries

Homemade Solar Energy Panels-

Total cost of materials- $150-$200 Usually 8×8 ft Absorb 1200-1600 kilowatts per year Save the average family $500-$750 a year

Energy can be saved to batteries (The batteries can be acquired freely) They can be created within 2-3 hours depending on size of panel and ability of person. Can be used for heating water, drying clothes, running small appliances, charging cell phone batteries and car batteries, bigger ones can light 2 or 3 rooms.

Learn How To Make Your Own Solar Panels Government Incentives It is widely known that the Government provides huge checks for those that take it upon themselves to use Solar Panels and Wind Turbines for homemade energy. Although the incentives vary due to unique situations, they are usually enough to cover the complete cost of a homemade system.

what’s the cost for Swimming pool heating Solar panel?

Gordy Perry — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:48:54 +0000

what is the cost of a Swimming pool heating Solar panel

if i want to sell my heating solar panel for my swimming pool how much would i sell it for? What’s the price for one now a days?

Why does heat negatively affect a photovoltaic cell’s efficiency in solar panels?

Gordy Perry — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:27:32 +0000

Can someone please explain why higher temperatures lower the efficiency of photovoltaic cells to produce electricity? I initially thought heat would play no part in a photovoltaic cell but have recently read that it adversely affects it. Does anyone know why?

How can I test how good my passive/active solar heating is?

Gordy Perry — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:41:54 +0000

I know that I can measure the temperature inside the water flow and the outside air temp. How can I calculate flow, efficiency and above all how good it will be at heating my home?
I do feel I have to say that this is a test panel and is not joined up to my heating just yet. Trying to perfect the system before installation.

How to Install Solar Panels : Wiring for Solar Panels

Gordy Perry — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:50:36 +0000

The wiring will connect the solar panels to the charge controller. Learn about wiring for solar panels from a professional in this free energy conservation video. Expert: Roger Bacon Bio: Roger Bacon is the owner of RGB Home Repair and Renovation in Santa Barbara California. He has experience in all phases of home repair and renovations such as plumbing, heating and solar power. Filmmaker: Diana Bacon

Solar Heated And Cooled Greenhouses

Gordy Perry — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:08:22 +0000

Slideshow of Solar Greenhouses heated and cooled by the Subterranean Heating and Cooling System featured at www.sunnyjohn.com