Large DIY Solar Water Heating System in Virginia Using Commercial Collectors

Chris and Brenda are looking for ways to control energy expenses through retirement and built this very nice and very high quality solar water heating system.

While it is loosely based on the $1K design, it has a number of unique features that are aimed at achieving a long and maintenance free life.

Installing solar heating collectors

Chris provides a 13 page detailed description of the system -- thank you Chris!

Some Highlights

Chris's system has some unique features...

The system uses two AET 40 sqft commercial collectors.
This insures a long and maintenance free life and also means that the system qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit.
Chris used a MAXDTC controller which provides a good deal of flexibility and data logging.
The single pass heat exchanger is fabricated from lengths of 3/4 inch copper pipe connected with copper elbows.
Chris worked out a safe way to get the bulky and heavy collectors up to the roof top.
The roof mounts for the collectors are simple and make for a nice looking installation
A Grundfos Alpha pump was used -- a more efficient and flexible pump.