Replies

1. 
   David_Thomas | Aug 13, 2001 06:50am | #1

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   I've installed about 80 solar hot water systems and in a couple of them, we ran a hydronic line to a cold room to provide a little more heat. This was with 80 to 100-gallon storage tanks that feed into the existing HWH. To do solar boost, you'd want a storage tank (because you mostly need heat when the sun ain't out). And for hydronic heat, you need pretty high temps - like at least 140F, but 160-180F is better for getting a decent amount of BTUs per linear foot of baseboards.

   I think the better return on investment would be solar boost for domestic hot water. Solar can more easily provide a large fraction of that load, which does not need to be as hot. And any boost helps.

   Unlike hydronic - circulcating 80F water through the baseboards isn't worth the electric it takes to run the pumps. Good Luck. -David

2. 
   Mike_Niggel | Aug 13, 2001 06:50am | #2

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   Just wondering if anyone here has had any success with adding a solar hot water panel to an existing hydronic system. I'm located in SC so efficiency may not make this project worthwhile. I do have a south and west facing deck though. System consists of boiler and copper piping in the ceiling. Thanks