How to Heat Make Up Water for a Boiler System Using Solar Energy

Obtain the necessary materials., Purchase a solar pathfinder., Get a loop system., Use temperature sensors., Get a heat exchanger., Ensure that you have the right valves., Choose the location of where you would want to put the system.,Using what is...

33 Steps 3 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Obtain the necessary materials.

    These are listed below under "Things You'll Need" but a few of the items will be explained in more detail here. , A solar pathfinder is needed to measure the estimated amount of sun that will hit the point for the collectors.

    Directions to how to use this device is located in the instruction manual provided with the device.

    This device can be found online and is relatively low cost.

    It measures the amount of sunlight one will receive at that location for over a course of a year.

    This is necessary information to have to insure that the location chosen is valid and will provide enough sunlight over the year., A loop system will be needed in order to maintain flow for the system., Temperature sensors must be installed at multiple points on the system to ensure it does not freeze., A heat exchanger is needed to make sure the system does not overheat., Ball and check valves are needed in case maintenance is needed.

    The valves will allow for the water to stop and the fixes can be made., Preferably somewhere with plenty of open space and limited tree shading.,,, Depending on where you locate the collectors, the piping will need good though put into the runs.

    If need be, call a plumber for their opinion on ease of access for runs. , The two choices are: a flat plate collector and an evacuated tube collector.

    Evacuated tubes collectors are recommended for this practice, due to the fact that they are more efficient at higher temperatures. , Attach the steel framing to the panel to provide support to the building.

    Welds will need to be placed at the connections of each 90 degree bend in frame.

    Bolts can be used instead of welding but be sure to get a Unistrut one-hole 90 degree angle fitting with bolt stud to support between each piece of framing.

    A local hardware store should have these. , Be very careful when dealing with wires; these should only be fitted if you know what you are doing (and are sufficiently qualified according to your local regulations) or by a professional. (Refer to Warnings below.),,, Add sealant as needed.

    Use sealant tape when screwing on the pipe connectors. , This ensures that the water will constantly flow in and out and will not cool. , Consult a plumber and he or she can help with identifying the best locations., The heat exchanger will need to be provided before the tank and after the water passes through the collectors. , These will provide the necessary readings that enable you to take corrective actions when needed., This will provide electronic readings of the data.

    Once again, only do wiring if you're qualified or do it through a professional. ,
  2. Step 2: Purchase a solar pathfinder.

  3. Step 3: Get a loop system.

  4. Step 4: Use temperature sensors.

  5. Step 5: Get a heat exchanger.

  6. Step 6: Ensure that you have the right valves.

  7. Step 7: Choose the location of where you would want to put the system.

  8. Step 8: Using what is called a solar pathfinder

  9. Step 9: see how much sunlight your location will actually get over the course of a year.

  10. Step 10: If the solar pathfinder produces unfavorable results

  11. Step 11: find a new location and repeat until a reliable choice is made.

  12. Step 12: Create a plan for plumbing runs and piping runs.

  13. Step 13: Once the location has been chosen

  14. Step 14: it is now time to choose the type of panel you want to use.

  15. Step 15: Once the panel is chosen

  16. Step 16: buy the steel framing.

  17. Step 17: Once the frame is connected

  18. Step 18: run wiring from back of the collectors down to where the control box will be.

  19. Step 19: Verify that the piping that is going to be used is the right size and in good condition.

  20. Step 20: Begin running the piping down to where the collector will attach to the water tank.

  21. Step 21: Be sure to check seals.

  22. Step 22: Make sure a loop is run from the collector back to the tank.

  23. Step 23: As the piping is being installed

  24. Step 24: make sure that ball and check valves are installed periodically for maintenance reasons.

  25. Step 25: Install the heat exchanger.

  26. Step 26: Install temperature sensors at all the inlet and outlets of the system.

  27. Step 27: Once the system is connected

  28. Step 28: hook up the electrical wiring to the sensors

  29. Step 29: valves

  30. Step 30: heat exchanger

  31. Step 31: and solar collector to the control unit box.

  32. Step 32: Once the system is up and running

  33. Step 33: install a wireless feed that will send the efficiency results every day to an email.

Detailed Guide

These are listed below under "Things You'll Need" but a few of the items will be explained in more detail here. , A solar pathfinder is needed to measure the estimated amount of sun that will hit the point for the collectors.

Directions to how to use this device is located in the instruction manual provided with the device.

This device can be found online and is relatively low cost.

It measures the amount of sunlight one will receive at that location for over a course of a year.

This is necessary information to have to insure that the location chosen is valid and will provide enough sunlight over the year., A loop system will be needed in order to maintain flow for the system., Temperature sensors must be installed at multiple points on the system to ensure it does not freeze., A heat exchanger is needed to make sure the system does not overheat., Ball and check valves are needed in case maintenance is needed.

The valves will allow for the water to stop and the fixes can be made., Preferably somewhere with plenty of open space and limited tree shading.,,, Depending on where you locate the collectors, the piping will need good though put into the runs.

If need be, call a plumber for their opinion on ease of access for runs. , The two choices are: a flat plate collector and an evacuated tube collector.

Evacuated tubes collectors are recommended for this practice, due to the fact that they are more efficient at higher temperatures. , Attach the steel framing to the panel to provide support to the building.

Welds will need to be placed at the connections of each 90 degree bend in frame.

Bolts can be used instead of welding but be sure to get a Unistrut one-hole 90 degree angle fitting with bolt stud to support between each piece of framing.

A local hardware store should have these. , Be very careful when dealing with wires; these should only be fitted if you know what you are doing (and are sufficiently qualified according to your local regulations) or by a professional. (Refer to Warnings below.),,, Add sealant as needed.

Use sealant tape when screwing on the pipe connectors. , This ensures that the water will constantly flow in and out and will not cool. , Consult a plumber and he or she can help with identifying the best locations., The heat exchanger will need to be provided before the tank and after the water passes through the collectors. , These will provide the necessary readings that enable you to take corrective actions when needed., This will provide electronic readings of the data.

Once again, only do wiring if you're qualified or do it through a professional. ,

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Jacob Ryan

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