Solar

[john the architect]

I think if you can mount your water heater higher than the panels you can do a passive thermosiphon system for enough cheaper that you don't need the helco rebate (worthless anyway if you are off-grid).

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@mac.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082
www.jmagreenbuilding.com
www.greenrentalhawaii.com

[tada]

More about thin film-

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/20...solar.aspx

Also Sanyo's HIT panels contain both th and polysi.

One of the companies mentioned ENER markets Unisolar branded panels which claims higher efficiency at every hour of the day. So we'll see how these claims shake out in a few years.

I forgot to mention if you have hot water tank on the roof can you use gravity instead of conventional pump to draw the water?

[john the architect]

I use Drainpipe and they do good work. If you go with an alternative thermosiphon system it's much less first cost, may not qualify for Helco but if you are off grid there is nothing to lose.

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@mac.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082
www.jmagreenbuilding.com
www.greenrentalhawaii.com

[tada]

I seen those Solarhart units with the brushed alloy finish for the last 30 years. I heard of newer ones painted black consisting of copper tubes instead of a tank. Sounds like gotta have good bleed off valve for August!

[grsjax]

Thanks for all the input. Called Drainpipe and they came right out. Very responsive and knowledgable.

No matter how thin you slice it, its still balony.