Plan the roof pitch and orientation for the optimal solar collection angle, so
your panels can lay flat. You could later add PV if desired, for lighting
and/or for running the circulation pump.

On Mon, 26 Jan 2004 13:03:43 -0500, "Backlash" wrote:

|Is anyone on the NG using solar collectors in addition to a radiant heat
|system? My roof will be oriented so that the sun will be on one side of the
|roof slope for a lot of the day. The thought crossed my mind that this
|method might conserve energy, dependent on cost, or serve somewhat as a
|"preheat" for the system. I once read Mother Earth News, and in it there was
|a shop water heater made out of an old refrigerator mounted on the south
|shop wall in a horizontal position so that the door could be opened to the
|proper angle, with coils in it, to act as a solar collector. A water tank
|behind plastic glazing was in the box. The door was shut during the night
|hours to conserve absorbed heat for the next day.
|
|RJ
|
|"John Manders" wrote in message
...
| If you're in a climate that needs heat in the winter I would suggest a
| radiant floor heat. There is nothing worse than having a floor that is
| cold while working on a vehicle. I know. I have radiant floor heating
| in the house but not in the garage. I can warm the garage with a
| heater but the floor is still cold. All you would need would be a
| water heater and circulating pump. And like "jim" said lot's of power.
| I'd go for a 200 amp service.
|
|
| There are a number of advantages to radiant floors.
| Cold floors can also be a source of condensation. I have had mine covered
|in
| water in the past.
| Installing underfloor heating forces you to insulate the floor.
| You don't loose any wall space for radiators or blowers etc.
| Downside is that it takes a long time to warm up.
|
| John
|
|
|
|

Rex in Fort Worth