Solar Thermal Water Heater

[snowcapt]

We are going to be building on for my energies class.
I am curious if any of you have one or have built one.
Pretty darn neat.

In doing research for a compare/contrast paper. I came across this. Smart little bugger! http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youn ... aidan.html
Very interesting, if you are into the alternative energy thing. Can you say solar-powered-all-electric-system? That would be that cat's ass!

[Bugeater]

I would hope that an item not shown in the diagram is the solar panel to provide electricity for the pump. Other than that it sounds like a great project for preheating your water so you don't use as much gas to bring your wort to a boil.

Wayne

[snowcapt]

If I lived in a frost-free environment, I could utilize the thermosyphon style, which does not use a pump. But I live in Minnesnowta. So I will have to do something like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVAZIDFM ... re=related
Gilligan style.
Oh, the possibilities.

[JakeAndBake]

Pics when it gets done? This is relevant to my interests.

[snowcapt]

Pics when it gets done? This is relevant to my interests.

Gonna be awhile. But I'm sure I can take photos in class of the build.