All-metal solar water heater panel source
While visiting California (Carmel Highlands/Carmel Valley area) I saw a pool heating setup with solar panels that were fashioned out of tubing and metal panels. There was no glass/glazing as in a typical heater panel.
These panels were mounted on the roof of a carport/parking structure adjoining the pool.
Bright sun blasts down on the panels that are black and helps extended the swim season by several months.
The panels appeared to be some sort of non-corrosive metal with copper tubing for the water.
I asked where the panels were made and all I got was a company in Southern California.
Very interested in fashioning something similar and is such an interesting option vs. having to construct a box with glazing, etc.
The simplicity of the design is very appealing as well as more approcachable as a DIY project.
I have not had much luck pinpointing the source via an internet search.
Thank you for the attention and hope to receive some info.
Replies
There's a reason for the glazing
http://www.builditsolar.com
Unglazed panels aren't as efficient, you will need more panel area to achieve the same results.
Might be easier to build but you're gonna need more of them.
Anything you want to know about solar is at the above site.
Joe H
Unglazed panels are great for swimming pools in moderate climates. It's really a low temp application, so it is efficient. Often these aren't run in the winter.
If you are doing domestic hot water (DHW) (e.g. showers, laundry, etc), you should used glazed collectors. DHW is a higher temp application and you need the glazing to maintain efficiency, particularly in the winter.
For pools, a better choice might be something like SolaRoll ... rubber collector material that is fixed to any surface. The water circulates in the tubing 'matts'. It's inexpensive and effective.
You should use a heat exchanger and glycol if you are in a climate with routine freezing.