You can get a great introduction to solar energy by using a solar water heater diy kit. Not only will you be able to save a great deal of money, but you will also help to cut down on carbon emissions. You will be able to save over 30% on your water heating bill.
My 21 year old son was astonished to find out that we actually had solar water heater diy approaches long ago, in the 1970's! Little did he know that the first patent for a commercial solar water heater was granted in 1891, a few years before even I was born!
Most likely, the first solar hot water was discovered by a dirty caveman who discovered a warm pond on a hot summer day.Who knows, maybe he got all cleaned up for his lady !
How to use a solar water heater diy kit
There are primarily two different ways to build your own solar water heater. There are complete kits available that supply everything you need. Another way to do it is with the kits that provide you with complete instructions, but you supply the materials.
With the complete kit you receive everything needed, such as solar panels, frames, mounting brackets, plumbing supplies and hoses, etc. Basically, it is a solar hot water heater in a box.
When you buy the how-to kit, you learn exactly, step-by-step how to make a solar hot water heater. You procure the materials, the kit gives you the know-how. You will find all the necessary materials at your local hardware store.
How safe are solar water heater diy kits?
Solar hot water heaters are completely safe. There are practically no moving parts, and the water supply is unchanged from your gas or electric hot water. An added benefit is that you will extend the life of your present hot water heater because you simply will not use it as much.
The only difference between your current hot water and solar hot water is the source of the heat, which will become the free energy from the sun! This is a great savings and way to reduce your carbon footprint. All you are essentially doing is preheating the water and plumbing it into your existing hot water heater, so there is no danger whatsoever.
Do solar hot water diy projects work in cold climates?
The only requirement is a good southern exposure; if you have this, you can benefit from solar power. From my personal experience, I have seen solar applications is Norway, Alaska, Wisconsin and Vermont. Each of these cold climates had solar applications for hospitals, schools, municipal buildings, commercial buildings and homes.
How expensive are the kits?
Depending on the size kit you need, the price can vary from around $600 all the way up to $18,000. . This is easier to justify if you are remodeling or have a new construction. Plus the state and federal incentives make it much more affordable. Also, saving 30-50% will make your investment pay for itself quicker than you might think.
The solar water heater diy kit that provides the know-how and instructions will only cost about $30-$50. You can actually begin saving with you own solar water heater for as little as $100 total! The instructions are about $30 and the materials are around $70.
All you need is some determination, a weekend or two and a little cash. Even if you had to pay a friend to help you, you would still be ahead and save a lot on you power bill.
Our site, http://SolarOnYourOwn, has great resources to help you with your solar energy needs. We specialize in the do-it-yourself approach and want to help you save as much money as possible, and still help the planet.
Randy Hough, Jon Arnett and company have been involved with energy saving programs for many years in such places as Alaska, Wisconsin, Norway and Croatia. Recently they constructed a passive and active solar heated villa in Croatia, which is beautiful and efficient at the same time (plus it is right on the Adriadic Sea). Check out their website: http://www.SolarOnYourOwn.com to help you in your quest for reducing your energy dependence. Find out how you can save money, save energy, and save the earth!
