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greta-inbaja
Nomad
Posts: 132
Registered: 7-19-2006
Location: Truckee, CA
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solar hot water
Hello everybody,
Does anyone have recent experience with solar hot water?? The water pressure in our area is too low for good on demand performance, freeze or fry,
thats the shower experience. I was just going to use a tank heater like a few in my area. but I'm hoping present solar might be better than it was in
the past, maybe a tank heater just in case. Thanks for any input anyone has.
greta
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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just get an electric pressure pump and tank and you'll have constant pressure for the hot water heater...
they sell them in ALL the good hardware stores in baja
they actually take very little electricty because they don't run all the time
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Russ
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Location: Punta Chivato
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Here's an older thread that talks a bit about it. http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=22615#pid2060... Hope it helps. I would recommend a water pump and
a regular propane heater. Less hastle in the long run. Have fun.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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greta-inbaja
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Location: Truckee, CA
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Thanks for your info. we were just going to use the tank w/propane. The place we rent in cabo pulmo has great on demand heater, never froze or fried,
but at two newer houses we rented, the on demand was awful. you had to let water run forever to get hot (i guess the heater is too far from the
shower) and if you touched it at all mid shower (look out) I like it really hot my husband not so much. He is REALLY against on demand. Hence the
research. I think I have read every post on here about the on demand. I am out at Castillo de Arena just south of Frailes. trucked in water. MY
friend even took his on demand heater out and said he would sell it cheap to me. Barely used. I was wondering about solar because of all the sun.
but never see it mentioned here and you guys are living it.
thanks greta, ps... Bob and Susan, your site has been a wealth of information for us.
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Bob and Susan
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our water here is in underground tanks right now and ITS HOT!!!
no need in the summer for hot water heater
i ONLY need to use a little hot water for the morning shower
now winter time is completely another story...
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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We were shopping for a water heater recently for a small guest house. One thing I found out was that the less expensive on demand heaters had a
constant flame, so as water flow increased the temp would decrease. Also the less expensive ones were more finicky about water pressure. The higher
priced units have a flame that adjusts to the water flow so the temp stays constant, and they're more tolerant of low pressure. But they're also
pretty expensive.
We're building a small guest house and decided to use a 10 gallon RV water heater instead of messing with the on demand type. It works well for a
small place and it's plenty of hot water for two people (more than that, forget it). If we leave it on, it only fires up a couple times a day to
re-heat the water.
If the pilot is off, and you light it before you need hot water, it takes about 15 minutes to heat up.
The problem with using one of these is where to put it. We had a cabinet made for ours, it's outside but protected from the elements. You don't
want the flame indoors. If you're not going to be there for a long time it needs to be drained.
If you decide to try one, don't get the kind with electronic ignition. You can't adjust the water temp. so in the winter, when the incomming water is
colder, the hot water doesn't last as long. The pilot units have an adjustable thermostat, so in the winter you can adjust the temp higher and the
hot water will last longer.
Just something else to think about.
[Edited on 8-5-2007 by BigWooo]
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
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Mood: Wondering what is next???
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BigWooo
We were shopping for a water heater recently for a small guest house. One thing I found out was that the less expensive on demand heaters had a
constant flame, so as water flow increased the temp would decrease. Also the less expensive ones were more finicky about water pressure. The higher
priced units have a flame that adjusts to the water flow so the temp stays constant, and they're more tolerant of low pressure. But they're also
pretty expensive.
We're building a small guest house and decided to use a 10 gallon RV water heater instead of messing with the on demand type. It works well for a
small place and it's plenty of hot water for two people (more than that, forget it). If we leave it on, it only fires up a couple times a day to
re-heat the water.
If the pilot is off, and you light it before you need hot water, it takes about 15 minutes to heat up.
The problem with using one of these is where to put it. We had a cabinet made for ours, it's outside but protected from the elements. You don't
want the flame indoors. If you're not going to be there for a long time it needs to be drained.
If you decide to try one, don't get the kind with electronic ignition. You can't adjust the water temp. so in the winter, when the incomming water is
colder, the hot water doesn't last as long. The pilot units have an adjustable thermostat, so in the winter you can adjust the temp higher and the
hot water will last longer.
Just something else to think about.
[Edited on 8-5-2007 by BigWooo] |
BigWooo....Your idea of using RV water heater is an excellent one. I, as a full time RV'er, have found that electronic ignition is the primary reason
to have one. It gives you the ability to control it with one touch anywhere...making it ultra Conservative heater. True they come fixed at 160
degrees...for $14.00 +- and 10 minutes, the little lady of the house can change it to fully adjustable...140 to 210 degrees...but that to me is
unnecessary in Baja Sur....maybe in Baja Norte...but I live in much colder area and still find it unnecessary. The 10 gallon recommendation is not
needed either...infact I turn my water heater on ELECTRONICLY 15-20 minutes before needed and I turn it off before my shower and it is only 6
gallons...don't want to be that conservative???....well go for the 10 gallon...but the use of 2- 6 gallon....one kitchen and one bath...would result
in the best conservative sitution... to do dishes would be a 5-7 minute burn.
If there is two...don't turn it off until the spouse enters the shower.
My Xwife would take 1 hour showers......if this is the case put in 100 gallon and suffer.... I got a divorce...
My RV uses about 8 gallons propane in 4 months +...
greta-inbaja....True solar water is down and dirty...lot of work, but truly workable...pool heater style is crap for household use. A good solar
heater requires two RV pumps and moderate maintenance and are best suited for baja...Depending on you skills and desires...may needs RV back-up water
heater. I will use both solar water and solar oven...as well as solar panels.
[Edited on 8-5-2007 by Al G]
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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our trailer has a auto pilot too...6 gal
it works great for two...
if you're hauling water to your location you really don't want someone talking a 1 hour shower
this winter we just left it on all the time with very little propane use...
the REAL propane burner was the heater...which we needed to use ALL nite
in our casitas we chose tankless...
each casita has it's own tankless heater with it's own pressure pump
because these may make a little noise...
we made a little utility room for each unit
our BIGGER tankless for the garage and washer gets way to HOT!!!
but...
we are on the same propane tank since april and we do wash everyday.
these things use very little propane!!!
i'll tell you later if we like the tankless things...
if not...
we'll replace them with "old fashion" hot water heaters
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capt. mike
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very simple solution here. And Bob - you can factor it in to your rates structure.
1st, determine who "needs" hot water vs. who "wants" hot water.
Those that just "want" hot water, well - they don't get any.
Those who "need" hot water, well - give them some and charge them accordingly.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 11-15-2004
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I say give them a 3 gallon Sun Shower warmed with some from the teapot when needed or wanted, daily.
For additional economy; a 5 gallon Sun Shower, weekly.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
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"a 5 gallon Sun Shower, weekly"
YOU stink diver!!!
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ncampion
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Location: Loreto
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Easy, although a little expensive solution to the "too hot, then too cold" problem is to use thermostatic valves at the shower. They keep the temp
constant regardless of the temperature of the feed water. Have one in the US home and it's great. Available at Home Depot, Ensenada.
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fandango
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awhile ago there was a thread about hot water and various sources. someone mentioned an electric hot water shower head. i've tried searching for that
thread but can't find it. anyone here have experience with that unit? there are a few types available on ebay and i am tempted. are they okay or
deadly?
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
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Shari has one that I have used.
It is screwed into the shower head stem with a cord going to the wall.
Hers is not GFCI protected but I had a great shower with no shocks.
(I was told not to touch the shower head, though.)
I would think they would be safe on a GFCI circuit.
.
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fandango
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thanks diver, i think i'm going to try it. i'll take the second shower. if it doesn't work well enough i'll go with a small electric water heater.
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fandango
Senior Nomad
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........
sbwontoo
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capt. mike
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diver!! you are nutz man, that is suicide!!
| Quote: | Originally posted by Diver
Shari has one that I have used.
It is screwed into the shower head stem with a cord going to the wall.
Hers is not GFCI protected but I had a great shower with no shocks.
(I was told not to touch the shower head, though.)
I would think they would be safe on a GFCI circuit.
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never try this anywhere!!!!
it reads like some stunt that garnered the player a spot on the Darwin Awards show!!
i wouldn't even attempt it IF a GFCI was in play.............seriously.......plugging a live 110 V. into a shower head????????
you gotta be kidding 
all it would take would be one micro of water to bind with a fray in the cord or gap in the prong and presto - you are charged fully, water and AC
love each other and seek attachment!!
good thing Mexico doesn't have tort law. this would be a classic suit.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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ncampion
Super Nomad
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| Quote: | Originally posted by lencho
Statistically, I bet they're safer than driving highway 1. 
--Larry |
That's not saying much !!!
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tuna stick
Junior Nomad
Posts: 67
Registered: 8-27-2004
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We stayed at a hotel in Pieda La Questa(sp?),that had installed the electric shower heads. A young couple on their honeymoon decided to take a shower
together. They were in for the "shock of their lives"! It didn't take any lawyers to convince the owners to remove the shower heads!
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greta-inbaja
Nomad
Posts: 132
Registered: 7-19-2006
Location: Truckee, CA
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All good info on hot water, we sure are spoiled. This might sound dumb but ..ncampion.. what is a thermostatic valve?? SInce we started with this
house plan in Baja I have acquired +++ books on just about every building subject.
Al G., I see your from Concord, I was thinking of taking a workshop in Hopeland at the solar living institute. ever been there??I think the solar
oven sounds fun, I do alot of cooking. Or maybe a workshop at SEI in Carbondale Colorado.Though they are expensive. Having a $$ solar system and not
knowing anything about it makes me nervous. SInce I don't have alot of money I'm trying to go with a bit of knowledge. (scary
Thanks, everyone
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