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How to make reflective solar water heater?

Does it make financial sense to replace a failing 1980s era solar/electric water heater with a high-efficiency electric or gas model?

  • The unit we have is, incredibly, still operating, but no longer heats the water enough to wash the soap scum off our dishes. A technician sent out by our home warranty company said the solar portion no longer is working at all. He declined to work on the water heater, saying he was afraid he would break it. The company that installed it 30 years ago has not returned any of our phone calls. Any advice? Need help soon. Failure is only a matter of time. The house is new to us. We moved in during June 2010.

  • Answer:

    It's no longer a matter of "if" but when your water heater will fail. In advance of that failure, I would suggest shopping for a replacement unit as soon as possible. While there are many issues why your unit is no longer heating efficiently, the fact that it is unsupported by its manufacturer and a qualified technician refused to work on the model means that it has become a liability. I have to disagree with in that you need to replace your current water heater with one that will provide you the best benefits for you and your family, regardless of its energy source. Personally, I would steer away from gas/propane for the costs and difficulties involved with those types of units (carbon monoxide, fluctuating energy costs, quality of units,etc) But again that is a choice best left to you and your family.

Jon Mixon at Quora Visit the source

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Depending on where you live in the country, you might be able to find a solar company to advise you.  I have worked on solar collectors before and when working are a great resource for free energy.  Energy is only going to get more expensive over time.  If you can salvage your system then over time you will save.  If your collectors are still good then you still have a chance.  If you decide to abandon the system, then look into Geothermal.  You will get a good amount of it paid for in tax incentives and energy rebates.  Generally a tech sent by your home insurance company will not have much experience with such systems and will shy away from them.  Find a real solar energy tech.

James Mcfeley

It's all a matter of convenience. In the long run you would have to get this old machine repaired and probably pay extra since it is no longer supported or the company is unwilling to take care of it. I think it would be better to upgrade to a newer gas model if you plan to stay on in this house for more than 10 years or so. Do not buy an electric heater as those things use up more energy overall. If you ARE planning to stay on then think of it as a convenience. If you're NOT planning to stay on then think of it as an investment. A better heating system will fetch a higher value for the house on the market as compared to the old heating system. But the main point is that you might end up paying lots of money in repair Why not get a new one that you don't have to bother about for a while?

Eklavya Dahiya

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