AboutBrian McElroy Expertise I am a home builder in the Tampa Florida area specializing in energy-efficient homes built with precast concrete wall systems that are hurricane resistant to 235 mph. I have researched and used many methods of new home construction and find this the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly method of home building for this area. I am also investigating other alternative methods to improve my products. I am a member of the Florida Green Build Coalition, EPA Energy Star Program, and have other affiliations involving energy savings, safe building practices and quality construction practices
Experience
Past/Present clients Many happy homeowners and repeat customers.
Expert: Brian McElroy Date: 7/1/2008 Subject: Solar Hot Water system for Heat
Question Hi. I can get my hands on some used solar thermal (hot water) panels and was curious about using them for room heating (via existing hot water radiators) rather than domestic hot water applications, as I tend to see them used most often.
We live in Maine and burn a lot of heating oil to keep our home just barely tennable in the winter. It is well weatehrized, new windows, etc, but it is an old house. And we've reduced our energy use as much as is sensible in pretty much every area at this point.
So I am wondering if this would be a sensible set-up - using the solar BTUs to heat our radiator water rather than our domestic hot water. Our domestic hot water use seems to be less than 25% of our overall oil use each year.
Thanks for the help!
Answer I think it is a great idea. The problem will be to find someone that can install the system and provide the thermostats needed to allow for the normal function of the existing system when the solar panels are not working on super cloudy or cold days. You may have to have it run through the existing water lines into the radiators. It will also be important to prevent the pipes from freezing when not in use. Additionally, it will be important to make sure the used panels are in good working order. I applaud your environmentally friendly idea. If you have a solar provider in the area, and friends that are plumbers or electricians, you might have a viable product to sell once you perfect the sytstem.
