Winterizing a DIY Solar Water Heater: Freeze Protection Options
Freezing is the fastest way to ruin a solar water heater. Here is how each freeze protection method works and what it asks of the owner.
DIY Solar Water Heater
DIY Solar Water Heater explains how DIY solar water heating works and what a safe project needs: components rated for the temperatures and pressures involved, materials suitable for drinking water, scald and pressure protection, and an honest look at when a certified system is the better choice.
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Thermosiphon Solar Water Heaters: Natural Circulation Explained
A thermosiphon system moves heat with no pump at all. Here is how natural circulation works and the design limits that come with it.
Solar Water Heater Temperature Problems: Too Cold or Too Hot
Water that is too cold or too hot usually has a short list of causes. Here is how the FSEC manual groups them and what to check first.
Water Quality and Scaling in Solar Water Heaters
Hard water leaves scale in collectors and tanks and slowly cuts performance. Here is which systems are exposed and what the sources say to do.
Solar Hot Water Storage Tanks: Sizing, Types and Safety Parts
The tank decides how much solar heat you can keep for later. Here is how storage tanks, heat exchangers and safety valves fit together.
Pressure and Temperature Safety in Solar Water Heaters
Hot water expands and builds pressure. Here is how relief valves and expansion tanks keep a solar water heater safe and what to check.