Solar Water Heater (1)

Maybe a solar water heater isn't such a bad idea after all, as I'm doing the research into it. The idea at this point is for a 3 season system, thermosyphon, closed w/ antifreeze. The primary use of this would be for a warmer shower in the spring, summer and fall. I currently shut the hot water making furnace off during much of the summer, turning it on 2-4 times a week for 1 cycle to heat 1 tank of water.

OK, lemme 'splain... I'm a single guy with 2 cats, I can eat off paper plates from the microwave, laundry is twice a month, and I don't mind the occasional cold shower (yea, right... but I do it anyway ;D )

That said, I can rig a system off part of the porch roof to heat 5-10 gallons of water, more than adequate for a shower, and I can nuke water for dishes. (i'm a camper, can do a lot with minmal hot water) This would eliminate the need for the furnace all summer, and most of the spring and fall, or at least good portions.

By rigging an electric water heater with the appropriate heating elements into the baseboard heat (powered by battery and wind /solar), I may be able to get oil usage down to under 2 tanks a year, from 3-4. A savings of $750- 1500 a year. (250 gallons by $3.00/gallon).

I'll look into it, and post.

PS, the watch definitely needs a kick start...