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[RSI]

Instead of a solar collector, look at PV panels with micro controller/inverter run to an electric hotwater heater element.  It's much cheaper and more reliable than a solar water collector that may develop a vacuum in the lines or may not drain back properly.

The cost and area needed to heat the same amount of water is much lower heating water with vacuum solar than PV panels.

[MTJAG]

Instead of a solar collector, look at PV panels with micro controller/inverter run to an electric hotwater heater element.  It's much cheaper and more reliable than a solar water collector that may develop a vacuum in the lines or may not drain back properly.

The cost and area needed to heat the same amount of water is much lower heating water with vacuum solar than PV panels.

The price of PV panels have dropped substantially over the past three years.  If we are just talking about heating domestic hot water only, I would definitely go with the PV panels.  I looked at this recently for my home before I bought my OWB this past spring.  It was cheaper for PV panels in my application and safer due to the possibility of freezes practically anytime where I live.

[RSI]

You do need a lot more surface area to heat the same amount of water though don't you? I haven't really looked that much at them but it looked like the payback would be about 1/3 the time from the numbers I have seen.

[MTJAG]

You do need a lot more surface area to heat the same amount of water though don't you? I haven't really looked that much at them but it looked like the payback would be about 1/3 the time from the numbers I have seen.

yes, you would need more "surface" area, but now you can buy PV panels that have more capacity at a reduced price per watt.  For instance, when I bought my 190 watt panels three years ago, I paid $450 which was the cheapest price I could find.  (I was quoted as high as $1200/panel.)  Now you can buy 280 watt panels for $330 each.  That's over a 47% increase in production for a 27% reduction in cost.  Consider also that you don't need pumps (electricity to run), insulated water lines, and valves to install.

[Bull]

MTJAG, do you have a link to the panels you are talking about?
Thanks

[Bill G]

MTJAG,

Makes 2 of us interested in your pv panels.  Thank-you for your advise, and appreciate the specifics.

Bill

[MTJAG]

MTJAG, do you have a link to the panels you are talking about?
Thanks

Here it is: http://www.sunelec.com/suntech-solar-panel-280-watts-3520-vmp-p-1718.html

This is the place I bought my panels from three years ago. 

[RSI]

I have talked to them before and the person I got on the phone could barely speak english and the shipping was a rip off.
I like http://www.solarblvd.com/ much better.

If dealing with Sunelec this is much cheaper http://www.sunelec.com/solar-laminate-c-47.html

[johnybcold]

I need a 4" temp display those cb designers must have good eyes

[pwdiver]

In regards to heating hot water, my hot water heater hasn't been on in 3 years since I install my OWB I keep it running year round. In the summer I put wood in the boiler maybe 3 time's a week I close inlet valve to my exchanger for the Air handler its worked good for me. 

[Bill G]

Roger,

     Been a while, any progress?  I'm sure it is a priority for you but I can understand how these things can take time to get accomplished.

    Hope all's well and keep chuggin'!

[Roger2561]

Hello Bill,

I'm waiting until the summer to have my domestic hot water connected to the OWB.  Gotta save my pennies before I can do anything with it.  Christmas used alot of my cash...

As for the operation of the eclassic 1400;  It's hard to believe that something that's approximately 30 feet from my house is providing me with all the heat I need to stay warm.  I had forgotten how wonderful it is to come home from work and find a warm house.  When I used to heat with my wood stove, the house was cold when I got home.  By the time I was ready for bed, it finally got comfortable only to wake in the morning to cold house again.  It is the understatement of the year to say I do not miss those cold days and nights.  Thanks for checking in, Bill.  Happy New Year!  Roger     

[Bill G]

    Happy New Year, Roger and all on the forum!!!!

    Understand the need to save up funds part!  You'll get there, and as you well know this is a money savings adventure!  Heating your hot water is an expense, unless it is tied to your OWB.  Then it is a fruit of your labor, derived from cutting and splitting fire wood.  The money saved will, or should be noticeable every month the OWB is burning. 

    Just as the house is always warm, so will be your water for washing dishes, showers, baths etc.  At the right price also.

    You'll get there, again, Happy New Years!!!

[Ridgekid]

Nothing better than free heat and hot water!  Surprised the electric company hasn't showed up yet tellin me there is something wrong with my meter! 

Like Bill said, when you get it installed it will be another great investment! 

Happy New Year to all! 

[RSI]

I have seen several different replys you posted and am now confused. Is your oil burner different than the main indoor boiler?