Low Cost Solar Heating
The possibilities of solar heating seem to have no boundaries and yet less than 1% of our energy comes from this precious renewable resource. The main objection to using the sun's energy has to do with cost. Even if a reasonable pay back period is assured the initial cost of a solar heating system is objectionable and do-it-yourself solar heating projects are often frowned upon by the building department and neighbors. The high cost of copper, manufacturing expenses, shipping costs, building permits, plumbing permits, financing and labor expenses are more than most people will tolerate, however, a low cost, practical solar heating system is a dream ready to come true for carpenters who understand the nature of solar thermal systems.
This page explores some basic, conventional domestic solar hot water and heating systems that use conventional, expensive, solar heating components as well as a number of home made systems that are far less expensive. For the past year I've been working on a revolutionary low cost, easy to build, easy to install solar heating system that's finally ready for the marketplace. Additional modifications may improve performance but I do believe the MTD system is now a viable contender for the fossil fuel market.
CONVENTIONAL SOLAR HOT WATER AND SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS BASICS John Patterson
WARM CLIMATE SYSTEMS
BATCH HEATER Sustainable Living
BATCH HEATER Frederic S. Langa
BATCH HEATER Richard Komp
THERMO SIPHON Solar Heart (a commercial system)
SUNSPACE Rucker Coleman
CONCENTRATORS
Science Center
Solar
Hot Water System in a Box not recommended for
cold climates.
COLD CLIMATE SYSTEMS
CLOSED LOOP
Ken Olson
OPEN LOOP drain-back
Tom Lane &
Ken Olson
OPEN
LOOP trickle-down
Nick Pine
OPEN LOOP modified trickle down
John Canivan (the download of a streaming video player must be
allowed to see this show)
Take a
peak inside MTD Solar Heating
