You know its been a good solar day when...

[Paul Bailey]

Tank temperature photo and the return line going back out to the roof...Paul

[Ralph Day]

Hi Paul

I got my Enerworks glycol collector re-angled to 50deg. the water temp went from stone cold to "no propane shower" in under 24 hours. No propane used for the last 5 days or so. This should cut down propane tank fills to once per year instead of twice per year.:D

Glad I had 3 helpers when dismounting/re mounting the panel and new rack.

Ralph

[John Allen]

Ralph,

What angle was it before you set it to 50 degrees? Also, what direction?

ja

[Ralph Day]

Hello John

My collector was oriented true south, but with an elevation of only 15deg. It was installed atop a dog pen (12x12) and performed adequetley for about 6 months of the year. I'm looking forward to much bettter performance...already getting much better performance in fact. I should have to buy less propane for the Takagi demand heater from now on.

With the 50 degree inclination i expect to reduce the heat gained in the summer (it was tooo hot in July) and increase the gain in the rest of the year. Already we're running propane-less any day, and the day after, that has been sunny.

As Paul always says "heatiing water with the sun is the best use of your solar dollar" or something to that effect, correct?

Ralph

[John Allen]

Thanks for the details. I generally agree about hot water having the best solar Return On Investment, but it does depend on the details. It sounds like your details are now improved. Congratulations.

BTW, I'm still improving mine too!! I've done a lot of instrumentation and the up/down side of that is plenty of "opportunities" that I would otherwise be unaware of...

John Allen - in San Jose California