Radiant Solar Water Heating System Integrated with the Boat Fresh Water System
Solar 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.
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.
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.
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.
Design Considerations
- Solar heater can be integrated directly into your boat’s water system.
- Heat collector is mounted behind the solar panel.
- 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.
Back of Panel - Black Heat Exchanger adhered with High Temperature Conductive Silicone
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Bubble Wrap Type Insulation over the Heat Exchanger - 2 Layers
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Second Back of Solar Panel Covering Heat Exchanger
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Plumbing at Water Heater showing Circulation Pump, Valves and Tee
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33x27" Heat Exchanger - side adhered to solar panel
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33x27 heat exchanger - showing .25" copper tube connection points
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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
Kit includes:
Heat Collector
Circulation Pump
Tubing
Thermostat