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Title: Solar hot water systems for the southeastern United States: principles and construction of breadbox water heaters

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5704575· OSTI ID:5704575

The use of solar energy to provide hot water is among the easier solar technologies for homeowners to utilize. In the Southeastern United States, because of the mild climate and abundant sunshine, solar energy can be harnessed to provide a household's hot water needs during the non-freezing weather period mid-April and mid-October. This workbook contains detailed plans for building breadbox solar water heaters that can provide up to 65% of your hot water needs during warm weather. If fuel costs continue to rise, the annual savings obtained from a solar water heater will grow dramatically. The designs in this workbook use readily available materials and the construction costs are low. Although these designs may not be as efficient as some commercially available systems, most of a household's hot water needs can be met with them. The description of the breadbox water heater and other types of solar systems will help you make an informed decision between constructing a solar water heater or purchasing one. This workbook is intended for use in the southeastern United States and the designs may not be suitable for use in colder climates.

Research Organization:
Georgia Solar Coalition, Atlanta (USA)
OSTI ID:
5704575
Report Number(s):
DOE/NBM-3016969; ON: DE83016969
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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