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Call: 248 705 8337
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Email: [email protected]

Radiant Solar Water Heating System Integrated with the Boat Fresh Water System

solar water heater integrated with solar panel on top of pole on boatSolar Water Heater Integrated with Solar Panel
Having warm water for showering and washing dishes while at anchor for an extended period can be a luxury for the cruising sailor.  We at Custom Marine Products have come up with an easy and convenient solution; heating water using radiant energy from the sun.

Here's how it works:
Solar panels get quite warm on sunny days.  The back of a solar panel tilted toward the sun may reach 150° F or more.  Mounting a heat exchanger (collector) to the back of the solar panel enables the collection of radiant heat passing through the back of the solar panel.  Circulating water from the water heater through the heat exchanger heats the water in the water heater.  The water heater becomes a heat storage vessel. Water is circulated using a low draw circulation pump designed for this purpose so very little electrical energy is consumed.  The circulating water actually cools the solar panel thus increasing its power generation efficiency.  On a sunny day, the system will heat water up to 110° F+ at optimum sun angles.

​You no longer need to run your engine at anchor to heat water

Kits are available for most CMPower rigid panels and many other brands
Kits for CMP panels include: heat exchanger, circulation pump, 50 feet of tubing and thermostat.

diagram of solar hot water heater with solar panel including pump, check valves, isolation valves, boat water heater integrated with boat water heating system
Installation:
Tee's are plumbed into the water system at the intake and output pipes of the water heater.  Valves are then attached to the Tee's so the system can be isolated should there be a leak in the system. Flexible hose is run from one valve to the circulation pump then from the pump to the heat exchanger mounted to the solar panel.  Another flexible hose is run from the heat exchanger to the other valve.  An on/off switch is installed to turn the circulation pump on and off.  In addition to the on/off switch, we provide a thermostat so the circulation pump is turned on only when the heat exchanger is warm enough to heat the water.  See diagram above.
Radiant Solar Water Heater Installation Manual
Design Considerations
  • Solar heater can be integrated directly into your boat’s water system.
  • Heat collector is mounted behind the solar panel.
​          Heat collectors are available in the following size: 27 x 33.125 inches  (686 x 841 mm)
  • Boat water heater is used for storage of warmed water.
  • Highly efficient circulating pump moves water from the solar heat collector to the water heater.
  • Circulation pump can be turned on and off manually or with the thermostat using a single pull double throw switch.
  • Easy DIY installation.
  • Solar panel is tilted and rotated for maximum heating efficiency.
soalr hot water heater radiator, tubing, insulation going onto solar panel
Back of Panel - Black Heat Exchanger adhered with High Temperature Conductive Silicone
Picture
Bubble Wrap Type Insulation over the Heat Exchanger - 2 Layers
solar hot water heater fully installed onto solar panel, backing shown with tubes coming out
Second Back of Solar Panel Covering Heat Exchanger
plumbing on boat of solar hot water heater connections at water heater showing circulation pump, valves, tees
Plumbing at Water Heater showing Circulation Pump, Valves and Tee

Picture
33x27" Heat Exchanger - side adhered to solar panel
Picture
33x27 heat exchanger - showing .25" copper tube connection points

Kit - Radiant Solar Water Heating System Integrated with the Boat Fresh Water System
$
649.00    
 
 
DIY kit for installing a solar water heating system integrated with the boat fresh water system.
Kit includes:
Heat Collector
Circulation Pump
Tubing
​Thermostat​
Click to see:  Home Page      Products Page    Solar  Panels    Mounting Systems      Manuals & Info
Efficiently and Sustainably Powering Your Boat. Call us any time, we're happy to help you work through designing your boat's solar system.
Call 248 705-8337 or email [email protected]

Link To Our Article On How To Size Your Solar Panels For Your Boat
Customer Reviews   ​Return Policy
  • Home
  • Marine Solar
    • Marine Solar Panels >
      • Semi-Flexible Marine Solar Panels
      • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels
      • Rigid Marine Solar Panels
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Kits - Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Semi-rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers & Electrical >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Mounting Systems >
      • Flexible Panel Mounting Systems
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
      • Rigid Panel Mounting System - Top Of Pole
    • Inverters
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • Visit Our Store
  • Lithium Batteries
  • Reviews & Installations
    • Reviews/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • Support
    • FAQ
    • Solar System Design & Installation
    • Manuals & Information
    • Solar System Installation Pointers
    • Troubleshooting
    • Contact Us
    • Solar System Installers
    • Battery Exchange Plus
    • Handy Products We Don't Carry
    • Freight Forwarders for International Shipping
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool
  • Blog