What do I need to make a simple 12VDC PV pool heater system?

1 Posts
Oct 22, 2008 02:00 am
What do I need to make a simple 12VDC PV pool heater system?

I am new to alternative energy. Call me crazy, but I am thinking I should be able to make a relatively inexpensive pool heating system using a low voltage (12VDC) water heater element, a 12 VDC bilge pump from the boat store and a small boat or RV PV panel and some pipe. The idea is to power the heater element, pump the intake and return water through the pipes and simply let it run during sunlight hours. When the sun goes down, the pump and heater element shut down to avoid circulating cold water. I have not seen anything like this on the web. Do I need any other special electronics to make this work? I appreciate any help I can get to comfirm my thoughts on this.
 
351 Posts
Oct 22, 2008 11:37 am
Re: What do I need to make a simple 12VDC PV pool heater system?

The system you propose might work to heat 5-10 gallons of water. How many gallons are in your swimming pool ?

You want a system that will heat the water directly, without the inefficient in-between step of making electricity. Take a look at the solar pool systems here at the store, or just google solar pool heating.
 
184 Posts
Oct 22, 2008 03:06 pm
Re: What do I need to make a simple 12VDC PV pool heater system?

Lee,

The reason you don't see any plans on the web for the system you propose is that it is not practical.  It would require a HUGE PV system.  It's just too expensive to do it that way.  It would be better to consider a system that uses the sun to directly heat water.  But using the sun to power a pump, circulating water through a solar heat exchanger might work.  Take a look at Solar Gary's website for some ideas:  www.builditsolar.com

John
 

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