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1stmate
06-08-2008, 07:28 PM
This has been up for a week on the "solar energy" side of this forum, with no responses, so I figured over here might be a better alternative. I hope so! Thanks, in advance, to all.


Hi folks-

I am in the process of assembling a solar domestic hot water system. I’ve made some test components, & I am comfortable enough with the data collected to proceed with a full size unit.

My question is simple, I think:

I’m planning on making a 4 x 8’ collector of 1/2" tubing with 3/4" header/foot; how many tubes (i.e. water holding surface area) should I plan for? I’ve seen collectors with a few as six vertical tubes, & some with what looks like twenty!

BTW, our requirements are small- 2 adults, so 2 showers a day, 1 clothes wash, dishwasher twice a week or so.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Regards,
Jack in NH