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Author Messages Oldest First Newest First telecomworx Registered Users Posts:2 02/09/2008 11:15 AM   We have an installed SCHUCO Slimline II solar hot water system (SHWS) with an 80 gallon storage tank.   The basic schematic is online: http://www.telecomworx.com/alternative/SYSTEM_SCHEMATIC.html The 80 gals tank feeds hot water to the existing hi-efficiency electric hot water tank - 56 gals. Is there a "cost effective" way to adapt  using the stored solar hot water only during the day to our existing HVAC system which runs on heat pump until 40 degrees F or lower then kicks on the oil?  The existing system (13 SEER) is only 4-years old as is the domestic electric hot water heater. We've already implemented water saving and electric methods including other projects before we tackled the SHWS which has been in and working just a few days. For being one of the worst months/time of year for solar yeild- the system is keeping the 80 gals of solar water pre-heated thus far at 96 degrees. Ideas and suggestions welcome. Our ultimate goal is to reduce or remove the fossil fuel (oil) and then add-on PV panels for 80% of our electric (Net Metering)...we are waiting on expected cost reductions and improvements expected from now to 2010 before implementing PV.  Maybe the cost + technology catch up that is expected means that we should wait? thanks in advance. Quantum Registered Users Posts:262 02/09/2008 12:28 PM   Coupla things: - Your solar tank is simply not big enough to make any difference for space heat; - Solar heat and heat pump inhabit the same warming zone. They each can get you up to 80% if you want that economic balance, but you need some kind of boost for the rest, which in your case is oil. If yer willing to pay for the tubes sure, you can get 100%. 96 is pretty respectable for flat-panels if you're in a northern clime, but you're going to want evac-tube for further expansion to get that temp up higher. AMK, Apricus. I would not wait on PV, particularly if your state offers credits or if your power is not socialized. I've listed the panels before, but Sanyo packs the most punch at 16.2W/sqft.
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