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Prototype Solar Hot Water Heater

1. Refurbish the old solar water heater for use in the SL Wing

2. Establish material and cost estimates used in fabrication of solar water heaters as a micro-enterprise.

Cutaway diagram of a solar collector that's very similar to the one we're working on:

Materials list for Solar Hot Water Heater

Micro-Enterprise Lab

Obtained mostly from Menards in Ottumwa

www.menards.com, 641-682-4711, 1898 Venture Dr., Ottumwa, IA 52501

Materials based on a 4x4x8 frame

1” (inch) copper pipe, 10 ft length
“L” thickness $31.10 for 10 ft
“M” thickness $22.59 for 10 ft.

½” (outside measurement) copper tubing for 17 fins x 8 ft (Comes in 60 ft lengths)
@ $215 x 2 = $430

Copper sheeting (18 guage) ?

Black opaque paint 1 quart $8 to $11 depending on mix

Glass (4x8) tempered double strength Fairfield Glass ?

Spray insulating foam $2.99 can

Black plastic sheeting (10 ft x 25 ft) $6.98

Three 2x4’s at 8 ft long Western Red Cedar $1.94 x 3 = $5.82

For holding tank installation in kitchen:

Food grade water holding tank
(24” x 30” x 24”) 80 gallon tank
Plumbing - PEX piping and fittings\\

Circulating pump $40

17 January 08

Soren and I learned to solder today, to repair the copper tubing in the solar water heater. Next we can research cost to fabricate a solar water heater for manufacturing.

14 January 08

Today, Lonnie, Soren and I moved the old solar water heater to the work shop to begin refurbishing it. Soren and I found out by doing web research that the manufactrer is out of business. On the basis of this, Mark decided we could take it apart to find out how it worked and then test it for leaks. Soren and I unscrewed the glass panel, and with Marks help, moved it safely out of the way. Next we clean the fins and prepare for a compressed air test. Mark says to use the hand tire pump with no more that 12-15 pounds pressure measured by the gauge.