Publications

Solar Hot Water Systems, Lessons Learned 1977 to Today

Authors: Tom Lane
� Copyright 2004(198 pages, spiral bound)
ISBN 0-8273-7948-X

Cost: $68.00 + $6 shipping & handling (color edition)

Interest in active solar energy systems is again on the rise now that crude oil prices have soared. I believe that active solar will become an increasingly requested option by those planning buildings, and that hydronic heating professional should be ready to address these requests.

I've been looking for a good technical publication on active solar energy systems that hydronic heating professionals could reference. My search led to consumer level publications that don't offer the "nuts and bolts" approach to active solar heating professional need. It's also led to academic publications filled with mathematical theory that often overshoots the needs of heating practitioners.

When discussing my frustrating search with a colleague he suggested Tom Lane's book. I immediately ordered a copy and found that it provides broad coverage of the solar water heating systems used over the last three decades. It gives the strengths and limitation of these systems from the perspective of someone who has been in the field working with them for years.

Tom Lane shares information on both successful and problem installations. He gives descriptions, photos, and technical illustrations of specific hardware. This book contains a wealth of information directly from an experienced solar heating professional. If you're thinking of including active solar heating in your hydronic repertoire this book should be on your shelf.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
History of the American Solar Water Heating Industry
Chapter 1: Basic Lessons Learned and System Components
Chapter 2: Drainback systems
Chapter 3: Glycol Antifreeze systems
Chapter 4: Startup and Maintenance of Closed-Loop Drainback & Glycol Systems
Chapter 5: Solar Thermal Collectors
Chapter 6: Protecting Solar Collectors from Hurricanes & Extreme Storms
Chapter 7: Savings and Performance Estimates
Chapter 8: Passive Solar Water Heating Systems
Chapter 9: Open-Loop Active systems
Chapter 10: Insulation, Tank Strategies, High-Limit Control and Water Problems
Chapter 11: System Control, Monitoring and Testing
Chapter 12: Solar site Survey-Collector Orientation and Location
Chapter 13: Solar Space Heating Design
Chapter 14: Solar Water Heating - the Right Decision
Chapter 15: Marketing Solar Hot Water
Chapter 16: Worst Water Heating Ideas of the Last 25 Years
Chapter 17: Solar Pool Heating

PREFACE

How many people does it take to improve the world? The answer of course is - just one - and that one is YOU. This book will give you some necessary tools.

Myth: Solar will be a great technology at some time in the future.
Fact: It is here and working great now. You don't need to wait for further technological developments. The first solar water heater was patented in the US in 1891.

Myth: It only works in warm climates.
Fact: It works great even in North Dakota, or anywhere in the US.

Myth: It is too expensive.
Fact: In most cases it is both practical and economical now - and it will put money in your pocket for the next 30+ years.

Solar water heating (SHW) has been a viable industry since the 1890's. The current SWH technology works great - and it is the most direct and efficient conversion of sunlight into usable energy available. Using the sun to heat your domestic water or your swimming pool is the most practical and least expensive application of solar energy available at this time. A solar water heating system does not cost an arm and a leg, plus it will pay for itself.

Surprisingly, solar water heating systems have failed to become a mainstream choice for homeowners. Installing simple, effective SWH systems that are easy to maintain still seems to be a mystery to a new generation of solar contractors. This book has been written to hopefully overcome that mystery.

This book has been written to help the beginning solar thermal contractor, and also to help the homeowner who seriously considers installing a SHW system. A homeowner who is skilled at soldering/brazing will be able to do a lot of the work himself. The information contained here will allow you to evaluate what each manufacturer and distributor has to offer. I cover the specific equipment and which designs work well in different climates. I recommend specific brands, manufacturers and components currently available. I have experience installing and using almost every piece of equipment mentioned in this book.

This book could not have been written by a university, state or government agency that has to be nonbiased regarding brands, manufacturers and components. You will benefit from my hands-on experience, working for more than a quarter century in this industry.

The world is not running out of ENERGY - it is only running out of fossil fuel based energy. Burning coal and oil pollutes our rivers, lakes, oceans, air, soil and bodies. The first step toward national security is to become more self-sufficient. The energy supply is a major source of our current insecurity. The amount of sunlight that hits the earth every few hours has more energy than the entire United States will consumer in a year. The energy from the sun is there, and it is freely supplied by nature - all we need to do is intercept it, convert it, and use it.

The sun is an unlimited source of clean energy. This energy is available for free. The energy from the sun is falling on the earth every day, whether we utilize it or not. Harvesting your own clean, unlimited, free, non-polluting renewable energy means that your energy supply is secure. Self-sufficiency is the shortest and most definite path to security.

The sun is basically an inexhaustible source of clean energy. This energy isn't going to run out, go up in price or spew pollutants into the air. We have the technology. You just need to put your sun to work for you.

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