Robert Gammon wrote:
Gary wrote:

Robert Gammon wrote:

...

As interesting as Nick's ideas are, I don't think that you want to
build a home brew solar hot water heater.


Why not?


Not in a house that you are in for only a couple of years, i.e. rent or
lease. Installing a commercial system, one that you can show hte owner
example sof and literature for is more likely to gain acceptance OUTSIDE
YOUR HOME COUNTRY.

So build it here on a home you own and so long as local building codes
allow, so long as homeowner deed restrictions will permit such a device
, and MANY now require details plans to be submitted in writing before
proceeding - we have to get shingle color approved, exterior pain colors
approved and the solar hot water system had to be approved by the HOA
BEFORE work began, then go ahead.
Just don't dream of doing this in a foreign country WITHOUT getting the
homeowner's approval AND consult with local real Estate professionals to
get their advice on the homebrew plan.

Could be a thing that gets you evicted over there, so be very very
careful if you intend to do homebrew in France (or Germany, or Italy, or
Spain, Or England.......)

Hi Robert,
I guess that makes sense if he is renting, or will not be there for long -- not
sure it thats the case or not?
Places vary a lot on approvals and covenants -- sounds like you live in a very
picky place. Where I am, the covenants are not very restrictive, and no permit
is required.
Anyway, was just wondering why you thought it would not be a good idea.

I think that DIY solar water heaters can be a good way to go. The cost of
commercial systems is high -- I think a lot due to low volume production. You
can save a substantial amount of money building your own. I think that the
simple payback on some systems could be as low as a couple years -- less if
energy rates keep going up. Not to mention the greenhouse gas benefits.



Gary


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Gary

www.BuildItSolar.com

"Build It Yourself" Solar Projects