Solar energy is something most people are now familiar with, however when most people talk about solar energy and solar power they refer to photovoltaic cells to produce electricity. While PV cells should be used when and where possible, they are not the most practical or affordable solar solution on a small scale. One solar panel only generates a few hundred watts, so its as much as installing a panel and reducing your electrical consumption to make the idea work. A much more practical source of solar energy on a small scale is to build a solar water heater to provide hot water for either washing or to heat your home or business. Even on a small scale a huge amount of heat can be captured into water using the sun. For example if you have ever left a black drinks bottle in the sun then tried to drink it and almost burnt your mouth, you will know what I'm taking about. Solar energy is abundant.

A Video of a Home DIY Solar Water Heater

Below is a link to a video of a solar water heater built in the back yard using simple components purchased from the local store for a few hundred dollars. The design its self is very straight forward and can be built be even the hobby enthusiast. To purchase such a solar water heater would cost many thousands to purchase and then several hundred to install. If you look at the total cost of the the system costing only a few hundred dollars the benefits are obvious.

There are considerations that must be considered with roof mounted solar water heating systems. Firstly is if wind speed is an issue, positioning a solar water heater on your roof may not be practical. Also, many of the solar water heater designs are not very aesthetic. The other option is base the unit on the ground, which does have several advantages. Firstly the solar water heater is obviously easier to construct and install, and aesthetics is no longer so much of an issue. A underground water storage vessel can also be installed below the solar collector, taking advantage of the insulating properties of placing the tank below ground. The plans for constructing a ground based solar water heater are also much simpler to build.

The best design to build your self is a passive system, specifically the integrated collector storage. This is where the hot water tank also acts as the solar collector. The design of this system is very simple. Firstly a tank is required, the size of the tank will reflect your hot water requirements, the tank must be black to capture as much solar energy as possible. Connected via flow and return pipes to the property, the tank is then placed in a insulated collector box.