Solar Water Heaters

[iammike]

Hi,

Does anyone here have a Solar Water Heater installation ?

If so, I have some questions.

- How many liter system do you have ?
- are you happy with it ?
- what did you approx pay for it ?
- where did you buy it and are you happy with the service?

Thanks

[Westlife]

Sorry iammike I can't answer any of your question ....but I'm all for saving a bit of money when I can .

Even though we live in a country that is well suited to producing hot ( ish ) water from Solar powers I would imagine the costs of installing a system would far out-way the saving that could be made .

When I think about the amount of hot water I use,  I personally can't see the point.

You could always try a DIY system of your own

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDpZZuAezMI

[iammike]

Thanks Westlife.

But I already have a water heater but I want to change that one to a Solar one as it's a too big a draw on my electricty supply and unfortunately I can't get a bigger supply, so it's not a question of saving any money (which I doubt you will with these systems as what I have seen they cost around 50-60k for a medium system (but that price could be wrong).

A do it yourself system is not what I am looking for thanks

[smoooth2]

Perhaps a chat with Pichai at Ruangsandthai Merchant Builders store would be worthwhile.

He certainly has the respect of many members here on BE for his customer relations skills, and if he cannot supply a system for you, I'm sure he could recommend another supplier.

[iammike]

Thanks Smoooth2.

I already send Bob (RuangsangThai's Manager) an email, but I am also looking for hands-on experiences, so people who actually own such a system, just to see if they are happy and general tips.

Thanks again, much appreciated!

[Admin]

I thought about this idea in the past, I really did a research and reviewed the costs and benefits, I came to conclusion its not cost effective and I came to the point I understand why Thai won't invest in such solar systems.
Its so hot you don't need the water to be that hot and the small electic SHARP/PANASONIC water-heaters are doing a great job at minimal cost.
The only time you might want something better is the water heater work on gas (ON DEMAND) when its cold but its only two months a year anyway.
PLUS, there might be some electric water heaters that can handle this demand but the boiler must have bigger capacity and higher W.

[davureborn]

Sorry iammike I can't answer any of your question ....but I'm all for saving a bit of money when I can .

Even though we live in a country that is well suited to producing hot ( ish ) water from Solar powers I would imagine the costs of installing a system would far out-way the saving that could be made .

When I think about the amount of hot water I use,  I personally can't see the point.

You could always try a DIY system of your own

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDpZZuAezMI

The video shows a system for making 2 US GALLONS (he means 7.5 litres) of very hot water and doesn't indicate how he gets it into the house. "According to the study, the average eight-minute shower used 62 litres of hot water, and some power showers can use up to 136 litres, compared with an average bath's 80 litres." Using solar power to heat up water is easy to do but expensive and needs a bit more than shown in the video (pressure release valve, mixer, delivery). My wife is nagging me to buy a bath before we even have electricity in the future new bathroom, so I have been looking at this also.

[iammike]

I already have a water heater a 6000 watts, and I tried to use a 3500 watts but that just can't handle good pressure, so the water stays too cold.

But my problem is that the 6000 watts is way to powerful for my electricity supply and I can't get a bigger supply (like 30/100), and NO I am not going to shut everything down just to take a shower 55555555

Re: ROI

I am honestly not bothered if the ROI on the Solar Water Heater is 0% or even minus 10% because it will solve a problem for me.

Thanks.

[iammike]

Found some sites

http://www.saveenergyasia.com/htmlsite/products/solarhotwater.html

http://www.chiangmaisolar.com/index.html

Have send them an email and will report back if they reply.

[Westlife]

You could always try a DIY system of your own

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDpZZuAezMI

The video shows a system for making 2 US GALLONS (he means 7.5 litres) of very hot water and doesn't indicate how he gets it into the house. "According to the study, the average eight-minute shower used 62 litres of hot water, and some power showers can use up to 136 litres, compared with an average bath's 80 litres." Using solar power to heat up water is easy to do but expensive and needs a bit more than shown in the video (pressure release valve, mixer, delivery).

I was being a little light-hearted when I posted that you-tube    I think most people ,  even those with only a small amount of plumbing knowledge would know that a solar water heating system is a bit more complicated than just a coiled up piece a black pipe 

[smoooth2]

I already have a water heater a 6000 watts, and I tried to use a 3500 watts but that just can't handle good pressure, so the water stays too cold.

But my problem is that the 6000 watts is way to powerful for my electricity supply and I can't get a bigger supply (like 30/100), and NO I am not going to shut everything down just to take a shower 55555555

Re: ROI

I am honestly not bothered if the ROI on the Solar Water Heater is 0% or even minus 10% because it will solve a problem for me.

Thanks.

Mike ... if you decide to scrap the solar idea ... I have 2 bathrooms, each with a Hitachi HES 45R (4500w) hot water system.

The water pressure in my place is excellent, and the Hitachi easily copes with hot water supply. In fact, we've got it turned down to almost zero at the moment. Around Christmas, when you want hot hot water, we turn the " hot dial" only about half way.

Just thought this may be helpful info for the future ... but of course ... only if your supply can handle 4500w ?

[iammike]

Smoooth2 Thanks.

But my current Waterheater is one that works with a mixing tap and is located under a sink, so it's an automatic one. This one feeds a rain shower, I am very happy with it except for the fact it wants amps like there is no tomorrow. 55555

It's one of these.

http://www.stiebeleltronasia.com/productdetail.php?productcateid=4&producttypeid=44&productseriesid=48&id=69

[DeputyDavid]

If I read that right it's drawis 32 amps.?.WOW  I see the need for 40 amp dedicated line for that.

[iammike]

At 220v it draws 27,3A with a max of 29.6A at 240v.

The recommended breaker for it is 32amps and cable recommendation is 6mm2

Yeah it's a beast and I love it, I also had one in my condo, but I think now it's time to say goodbye and look for something else 55555

[DeputyDavid]

Mike if you wanted to fill a spa bathtub you would need one like that or do they have bigger?