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The Hilo library has a few copies of a book published by the State of Hawaii in the late 70's with detailed instructions on how to build a home-made system. Even if you don't go with the design that they recommend their is still a wealth of info specific to our region. It may be 30 years old but the sun is a few billion years old so the book is pretty new by comparison. It is kept in the Hawaiiana section of the library.
Jim
www.funkstoppers.com
The funk stops here!
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Good to know this resource is there- thanks Jim :-)
aloha, Liz
"The best things in life aren't things."
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It is important to consider that home-made solar hot water heater systems are no longer permit able, and all new homes will require one, but of course one only engineered and built by a certified installer. If you're a pirate by temperament, like myself, you may not care, but more should be informed about the trend, and whether or not it furthers the public good.
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Whats the name of the book
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i came up with a cute alternative to heating water after my tank burst on me a few years ago...got a brand-new metal garbage can,a heating element from a frenchfrier,a pool pump with clear plastic hose and a faucet-nozzle...my aim was to reduce electric use and eliminate the danger of flooding when a hot water tank lets go...i claim success on both goals...in the winter,i heat the water on my woodstove instead of using the heating element...the pool pump is completely submersible...i store leftover hot water in a 40 gallon picnic cooler...with a little thought,you can figure out how this all goes together...i'd be interested in hearing other homemade solutions...good luck
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There's a great homemade hot water heater plan in Mother Earth News magazine from years ago. You use an old single door refrigerator, put the coils in the door & a storage tank inside, then close the door at night. They must have a search option for the article.
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Mother Earth News has had a few different ideas on the refrig. to solar water heater, here are a couple:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-You...eater.aspx
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-You...aters.aspx
