A Look At Solar Water Heater Diy Kits

By Author: Randy Hough
Total Articles: 9
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One of the simplest and most effective ways to get going with solar is to use a solar water heater diy kit. You can reduce your hot water expense by at least one-third, cut down on your fossil fuel use, and help the planet at the same time.

Recently, my 21 year old son was amazed to discover that we actually had solar water heater diy approach way back 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

You can make your own solar water heater in one of two ways. Kits are available that supply every single thing required. 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. Your diy heater is preheating the water, feeding it into your existing water heater, that's it. So there is not danger whatsoever.

What about cold climates and solar hot water diy projects?

You can have solar heat if you have a good southern exposure, that is all you really need. Personally, I have lived in Norway, Colorado, Wisconsin and Vermont, and there are plenty of solar applications in each of these cold climates. Each of these cold climates had solar applications for hospitals, schools, municipal buildings, commercial buildings and homes.

Are these kits expensive?

The kit that supplies everything costs quite a bit, depending on the size you buy; from $600 up to $18,000. . However, if you are remodeling, or building new, you will find it easier to justify, especially with the state and federal incentives available. Also, saving 30-50% will make your investment pay for itself quicker than you might think.

In contrast, the solar water heater diy kit which give you complete instructions, but no materials costs only $30-$50. The materials to build your solar hot water heater will run another $70, so for about $100 you can actually begin to have your own solar hot water

All you need is some determination, a weekend or two and a little cash. Supposing that you had to hire somebody to help you, it still makes sense in every way.

Our site, http://SolarOnYourOwn, has great resources to help you with your solar energy needs. Our main interest is in do-it-yourself solar projects and helping people save money.
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!