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Suppliers for Solar Heating Systems and Components

Suppliers for all solar heating applications, including domestic water heating, water and air heating collectors for solar space heating, and solar pool heating.

Also includes components for solar heating systems such as glazing, pumps, controls, heat exchangers, fans, plumbing, ...

Water Heating Collectors

Air Heating Collectors

Pool Heating

Radiant Heating

Components for Solar Heating systems

 

 

Back to main supplier directory ...

 

Batch or Integral Storage Collectors (ICS)
CopperHeart Batch Collector

http://www.sunearthinc.com

A commercial version of a batch solar water heater.  Some useful downloads.
There are several other manufacturers of batch systems -- installation of one of these systems is a good DIY project.
Thermosyphon Water Heaters
Solar Hart Thermosyphon Water Heaters

http://www.solahart.com.au/

 

A well known manufacturer of thermosyphon solar water heaters.
SunSiphon Thermosiphon Unit

http://www.sunearthinc.com

Install Manual:
www.solardepot.com/pdf/Sunsiphon-Manual.pdf

These thermosyphon water heaters are simple and reliable -- no pumps or controllers.
 

 

One piece, rotationally molded polyethylene water heater

US:
http://www.solco-usa.com/

Australia:
www.solco.com.au

 

 

 

 

An interesting Australian water heating concept that is soon to be available in the US.

"The system is constructed of UV resistant high density polymer.  The bladder and the tank are constructed in one piece using roto molding technology, no seams to leak.  The secret to the system is that the pressure inside the tank and the solar bladder is gravity pressure only.  There is a float valve that controls flow into the tank.  A unique interior design promotes thermal siphon action from the tank through the bladder and back to the tank.  The system is designed to deliver 9 liters a minute under gravity pressure at 15 feet of head.  If the user desires mains pressure than a pump is added on the hot water line before the tap outlet.  In North Carolina the unit generated 165 degree water during the summer and 140 degree water in the winter.  Performance will vary depending on the latitude the unit is located at. 
There is an electric 240 v heating element and adjustable thermostat inside the tank as a back up heat source.  The unit also has a gas back up heat option available.  There is a 10 year warranty on the tank and bladder and a 5 year warranty on the heating element.  The manufacture claims a 20 year or more life of the tank and bladder.  Empty the unit weighs 230 lbs full the unit weighs 900 lbs.  The foot print is 5" 5" x 7' 4". 
The design of this system is different from the  traditional thermosyphon water heaters in several respects, so be sure you understand these differences, and that the unit is suitable for your situation.
Imported Thermosyphon Solar Water Heaters

One example:
www.siliconsolar.com/ ...

 

 

There appear to be a number of these imported thermosyphon water heaters with integrated storage tank appearing for reasonable prices.  This may prove to be a good option for cost effective solar water heating.
 

If you have one of these, and could share your experiences, please let me know.

Flat Plate Water Heating Solar Collectors

SRCC Certified Flat Plate Collectors Manufacturers List 
ACR Solar www.SolarRoofs.com
Alternate energy Technologies www.aetsolar.com
Conergy www.conergy.com
EnerWorks Inc. www.enerworks.com
Genersys www.genersys.com
Heliodyne www.heliodyne.com
Marathon International www.wallhungboilers.com
R & R Solar Supply 808 842-0011
Radco Procucts www.radcosolar.com
Schuco USA www.schuco-usa.com
Sensible Technologies www.jtgmuir.com
Solahart Industries www.solahart.com.au
Solar Development www.solardev.com
Solar Energy www.solarenergy.com
Solene www.solene-usa.com
Stiebel Eltron www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com
Sun Earth www.sunearthinc.com
Synergy Solar www.synergysolar.com
Thermo Dynamics www.thermo-dynamics.com
Viessmann Manufacturing Company www.viessmann-us.com
Additional Flat Plate Water Heating Collector Manufacturers, Sites and Info
Sunray

http://www.sunraysolar.com/index.php

Supplier of flat plate collectors and absorber sheets.

Cheap!

Solar Energy

http://www.solarenergy.com/

 

A supplier of flat plate collectors and of absorber sheets.  The absorber sheets can be incorporated in a DIY frame to produce a much less expensive collector without all the labor of building the absorber sheet.
Alternate Energy Technologies, LLC (AET)

http://www.aetsolar.com/downloads.htm

 

Solar water heating systems and collectors.

Good construction detail on some of their collector description brochures.

Apricus Heat Disssipator

http://www.apricus-solar.com/html/products_heatdiss.htm

A device to dissipate excess heat from solar collectors during the summer.
Stiebel Eltron

http://www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com/sol25.html

 

Maker of an SRCC certified 29 sqft collector.
Copper internals with selective coating.
 
Stiebel Eltron

www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com

One sample US retailer:
http://www.houseneeds.com/shop/atop/solarindex.asp

 

Manufacturer of a wide line of solar related products.  Collectors, tanks, pump/control packages, tankless heaters, ...
Schuco

http://www.schuco-usa.com

 

Maker of serpentine solar collectors with copper internals.
Solar Developments

http://www.solardev.com/index.html

Kits for solar water heating and other solar applications.  Not very specific about the details of what's in the kit.

Evacuated Tube Water Heating Solar Collectors

SRCC Certified Evacuated Tube Collectors Manufacturers List 
American Solar Works www.americansolarworks.com
Apricus Solar www.apricus-solar.com
Beijing Sunda Solar Energy Technology www.sssolar.com
BTF www.btf.com
Oventrop www.oventrop-na.com
Solargenix Energy www.solargenix.com
Thermo Tech./Thermomax www.solarthermal.com
Viessmann Manufacturing Company www.viessmann-us.com
Additional Evacuated Tube Water Heating Collector Manufacturers, Sites and Info
Thermomax Industries

www.solarthermal.com/products.asp

Supplier of evacuated tubes and systems.  Downloads section has good technical data.
Apricus Evacuated Tube Collector

http://www.apricus-solar.com/index.htm

 

http://www.apricus-solar.com/html/products_ap.htm

Apricus Evacuated Tube Collector.

The website has some helpful how-it-works, design and installation data.

Fitch Consulting

www.s101470521.onlinehome.us/6982.htm

Or,

www.WeAreSolar.com

 

Fitch Consulting is a potentially low price source for evac tube collectors.

The site also has lots of interesting solar projects, including a solar home heating system and a very ambitious solar assisted ground source heat pump project.

Sun Spot Solar -- SUNDA Evacuated Tube Collectors

http://www.sssolar.com/index.asp

 

Supplier of SUNDA evacuated tube collectors.    Quite a bit of helpful information and installation pictures available on the site.
Solar Water Heating Systems
Alternate Energy Store

http://store.altenergystore.com

 

A wide variety of packaged solar water heating systems at pretty good prices, and with quite a bit of sizing and installation information.
King Solar

www.KingSolar.com

Solar water heating systems and components including collectors, absorber plates, pumps, heat exchangers, controllers, ...
Butler Sun Solutions

http://www.butlersunsolutions.com/index.html

 

This supplier makes a heat exchanger for solar water heating systems that can be inserted into an existing normal electric water heating tank to allow it to be used for both the solar storage tank and the backup water heating tank.
SolarH20t -- Solar hot water

http://solarh2ot.com/dhw.html

http://solarh2ot.com/SOLVELOX.pdf

Solar components for water and pool heating. 
They make a SolVelox that is a single package that allows your current hot water tank to be used in a solar water heating system (pictured).  Packages pumps, heat exchanger, valves, and controller in one unit. 
Thermomax Industries

http://www.solarthermal.com/index.asp

Collectors, tanks, heat exchangers for solar water heating systems.
Solar Roofs Solar Water Heating Systems

http://solarroofs.com/index.html

 

A supplier of a line of solar water heating systems that the manufacturer says is well suited to DIY installation.  Kits offered for freezing and non-freezing climates.

The downloadable installation manuals appear to be complete and well illustrated -- worth looking at if you are doing your own system, or buying their kit.

Solar Air Heating Collectors
Solar Max Heating Systems

http://www.solarmaxheatinginc.com/

 

Manufacturer of solar air heating collectors for space heating. 
SRCC certification is in the works.
Sunsiaray Solar Manufacturing
 

http://www.sunsiaray.com/StartPage.htm

 

Solar air collector with selective coating -- 32 sqft modules can be ganged together.
SRCC certified.
Solarsheat Air Collector,
Your Solar Home, Inc.

www.yoursolarhome.com

 

 

An SRCC certified solar air heating collector that uses a PV powered fan.
American Solar

http://www.americansolardepot.com/index.html

 

American Solar offers a kit for a 32 sqft air collector for $289. 
This looks promising, but the information is very sketchy, so beware.
DeSoto Solar -- Solar Air Collectors

http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/collectors.html

 

 

Carefully made Solar Air Collectors from solar experimenter Morris Dovey.
Cansolair Solar Air Collectors

http://www.cansolair.com/

 

Manufacturers of a unique design solar air collector.

Dealers in Canada and most states.
Solar Pool Heating
FlaSolar.Com

http://www.flasolar.com/solar_wtr_main.htm

Supplies solar water heating systems and pool heating systems.  Fairly good information on their site.
Go Solar

http://www.solarexpert.com/poolheat.html

 

 

Supplier of pool heating systems.  Web site has some useful technical information and a fuel saving calculator.
Pool-Spa-Products.com

http://www.pool-spa-products.com/

 

Solar pool heating kits for in-ground and above ground pools.

Components For Solar Heating Systems

Glazing
Interstate Plastics

www.interstateplastics.com/

Potential source for many types of plastics.  Engineering specs for many plastics.

 

Professional Plastics

http://www.professionalplastics.com

Very wide variety of plastics of all sorts.
Good technical data and application notes.
SunTuf Polycarbonate Glazing

www.suntuf.com

SunTuf Spec ... (pdf)

 

Polycarbonate glazing -- site has good specifications on their glazing products, and some DIY plans.

 

Pilkington

www.pilkington.com

Pilkington Glass -- good source of technical information on glass.
Sun-Lite Fiberglass Glazing

http://www.solar-components.com/sun.htm

 

This glazing material appears to have a good track record in solar applications.
General Electric

http://www.geplastics.com

 

Source of Lexan (polycarbonate) and other glazing plastics.

If you have trouble finding Lexan sheet locally try the GE phone: 800 451 3147

GE provides good engineering support for their glazing products.  Good specification and application docs, and will answer questions stated in emails and telephone calls.

Modern Plastics

www.modernplastics.com

Supplier of a wide variety of plastics glazing.
Sundance Supply

www.sundancesupply.com/index2.html

Supplier of polycarbonate glazing panels.
EnviroCept Greenhouses, etc.

www.greenhouses-etc.net

Supplier of greenhouse glazing products

I have ordered from these folks and received good service.

Greenhouse Mega Store

www.greenhousemegastore.com/products.asp?dept=1003

 

Supplier of greenhouse glazing products
Multiwall Systems

http://www.multiwallsystems.com/

 

Seller of mulitwall polycarbonate glazing and glazing framing.

The site has some useful application and installation information.

Solexx Greenhouse Panels

http://www.farmwholesale.com/panels.php3

 

Another glazing option.  High density Polyethylene double wall panels.  About $1 per sqft, 8 year guarantee,  75% transmission.
Artic Glass and Window Outlet,
Eau Claire, WI

www.KissOurGlass.com (honest)

 

Artic Glass and Window outlet appears to offer some good prices on double pane tempered glass that is good for sunrooms.  Their edge seal design looks somewhat different than others, so you might want to discuss that with them.
They also have some good written material on glass and on building sunrooms.
Charley's Greenhouse and Garden

http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/
Wide variety of greenhouse and sunspace supplies, including glazing, ventilation equipment,  ...

Greenhouse suppliers in general can be a good source of glazing, fans, vents, ...

K-mac Plastics

http://polycarbonate-tubes-rods.com

 

K-mac appears to offer a wide variety of polycarbonate and other plastics glazing.
RIDOUT Plastics

http://www.eplastics.com

 

A variety of plastics, including polycarbonate sheet.
Pumps and Solar PV Pumping
(
Also check the "Solar Water Pumping" section)
El SID Pumps -- Ivan Labs

SolarDirect -- El Sid Pumps Info

 

 

Well respected small DC pumps that can be PV driven.  Made by Ivan Labs -- they do not appear to have a website, but can be contacted here:

Ivan Labs Inc.,305 Circle West, Jupiter, FL 33458  Telephone: 561-747-5354

Solar Direct is one of many suppliers for El SID pumps -- they list pump specs and application data.

A bit more El Sid info from Thermomax (pdf)

Laing ecocirc pumps

http://www.lainginc.com/

http://www.lainginc.com/pdf/LTID5solar.pdf

 

A line of pumps from Laing made for direct drive from a PV panel.
The pumps have built in Maximum Power Point tracking for earliest startup.  Suitable for high temperatures.  About $200.  Heads up to 12 ft.
These pumps seem to be well liked by people using them.
March Pumps

http://www.marchpump.com/

Manufacturer of a wide line of DC and AC pumps -- some suitable for solar applications.  Good technical data.

The 809 series seems like it has some potential for PV powered systems that require some head capability?

Grundfos

http://www.grundfos.com
Documentation:
http://www.grundfos.com

HVAC Technical Guide (pdf)

Manufacturer of a wide line of pumps.  Popular for radiant heating (and other) applications.
Commonly used in open and closed solar systems.



The HVAC Technical guide provides a lot of good design information on selecting the right pump for your requirements.

Taco

http://www.taco-hvac.com/

Manufacturer of a wide line of pumps.  Popular for radiant heating (and other) applications. 
Good technical library
Commonly used in open and closed solar systems.
Dankoff Solar Products

www.dankoffsolar.com

Manufacturer of pumps for solar applications including circulation pumps for solar heating, and PV driven well pumps.
Sun Pumps

http://www.sunpumps.com/

Manufacturer of solar pumping gear.  Some good reference material on the site.
Davies Craig 12volt EBP pump


daviescraig.com.au/main/display.asp?pid=27

 

One potential source:
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com

 

This is a 12 volt pump with magnetic drive that is meant for pumping high temperature coolant.   Solar heating is listed as one of its potential applications.
Does about 3 gpm at 1.3 amps (12VDC).

One user of this pump posted this message:
"The Davies Craig Booster Pump is a 12 Volt DC
magnetic drive pump that will handle water temps up to 120C.
Draws approx 1 amp @ 12 volts, has a life in excess 10,000 hours.
I have had one running on one system for over 2 years now with no
problems, circulating water through 7 sq meters of panels located
approx 8 meters away from HWC, connected by 15mm copper pipes.
It is not suitable when in a mains pressure loop, i.e. pressures in excess of 50 psi as is constructed of a type of plastic."
It is reported to have about the same pumping capability as the ELSID20 pump.
Jabsco 12V Heater Pumps

http://www.jabsco.com

One Supplier of Jabsco

Jabsco heater pumps, intended for circulating water or antifreeze in heater circuits up to 212F, magnetic drive,  potential candidate for solar PV circulation pump?  About $150.

Jabsco specification     
Potential source: http://www.absak.com/

JATS Alternative Power Company

www.jatsgreenpower.com

Manufacturer of small, high lift jack pumps that can be manual or solar powered.
Pump Biz dot Com

www.pumpbiz.com

 

 

Pump retailer carrying a wide variety of pumps.
RealGoods

http://www.realgoods.com/shop/search.cfm

 

A wide selection of pumps for various purposes.  A place to go for some pump ideas.
Harbor Freight

www.harborfreight.com

Source for cheap utility pumps.
LVM 12 V pumps

One Supplier of LVM Pumps

LVM 12V circulation pumps -- some good to 189F.  Might be a candidate for solar PV circulation pump?  Froma about $50.

LVM specification
Potential source: http://www.absak.com/

More Beer Pump

http://morebeer.com

http://morebeer.com/...


 

An interesting pump made for making beer.  Good for high temperatures.  May have solar application?  Magnetically driven.  Too bad its not DC so that it could be powered by PV, but its might be a cheaper substitute for a bronze casing Grundfos or Taco for open systems??
PC Cooling Pumps

One potential source:
www.sharkacomputers.com/waterpumps.html

 

These pumps were developed for water cooling of PCs.  They appear to be high quality, have magnetic drives, and are designed for fairly high temperatures (typically 140F). 
Many of them have good pressure head capability.
They might be a less expensive alternative for small PV powered systems -- $40 and up.
Linear Current Boosters

One of many potential suppliers:
http://store.altenergystore.com/ ...

 

 

Linear current boosters hooked up between a PV panel and the pump it is driving match the two together more efficiently, and prevent the pump from being exposed to out of range voltages.
 
conergy

www.conergy.us

 

 

One supplier of PV powered pumps.  
There are many other now -- check the "Wide Variety ..." list of suppliers at the top of this page also.
Hand Pumps
Bison Pumps

http://www.bisonpumps.com/photo.htm

 

 

Hand pumps for either primary or backup use.
For shallow or deep wells (up to 300').
Controls
Goldline Controls

www.goldlinecontrols.com/Products/Solar.aspx

www.goldlinecontrols.com/.  (pdf manual)

 

The manufacturer of a widely used line of differential controllers for solar water heating systems. 

about $130

I have one of these, and it has done well.

Steca Differential Controllers Steca differential controller.  Has the usual features, and a nice display that shows collector and tank temps as well as pump running.

I have one of these and like -- especially the display of temps.
About $130.

DC Powered Differential Controller

http://www.arttec.net/dtc/index.html

 

This differential controller that is powered by DC would allow a PV powered pump in a solar water heating system as an alternative to just directly powering the pump from the PV panel.  Some feel that this would allow more precise control of when the pump comes on (for instance it would avoid turning the pump on when the storage tank is hotter than the collector fluid).
Thermo Technologies

www.thermotechs.com/Solar_Controllers_Menu.php

 

 

Differential controllers and other solar system components.
RESOL

http://www.resol.de/en/index.html

The manufacturer of a line of controllers for solar thermal systems.
Fans and Dampers
Fans and ventilators and a neat back draft damper

http://www.tamtech.com/products.htm

Fans and ventilators and a neat back draft damper

 

Fantech

http://www.fantech.net/

Manufacturer of a wide line of fans, some of which have good solar system uses.

Often available on ebay.

Elicent Fans

http://www.elicent.it/inglese/fans.html

Manufacturer of a wide line of fans, some of which have good solar system uses.

Often available on ebay.

Greentrees Hydroponics

http://www.hydroponics.net

 

Quite a variety of inline fans.
HMI Motorized Dampers

http://www.hoyme.com/product.html

Various types of motorized dampers for combustion air intake and flues.
WAM Home Center

www.wamhomecenter.com

 

Good prices on tankless water heaters and other HVAC stuff.

I ordered a tankless water heater from these them and got good tech support and fast shipping.

Thermal Storage Related -- heat and cold storage, tanks, liners,...
House Needs.com

http://www.houseneeds.com

 

 

Water storage tanks for solar systems.

Other radiant heating and some design material on same site.

Basco

www.bascousa.com

Supplier of containers
High Temperature Polypropylene Tanks

http://www.usplastic.com

 

High temperature (200F) Polypropylene tanks (and many other tanks).
Plastic Tanks

http://www.plastictanks.ca/category.php?cat_id=106

 

High temperature rotationally molded polypropylene tanks.
Good to 220F
Tap Plastics

www.tapplastics.com

Supplier of containers
STSS EPDM Lined Tanks

STSS web site:
http://www.stsscoinc.com

Heat Storage Tanks
www.stsscoinc.com/Products_SolarAndDHW.ASPX

 

 

These heat storage tanks are made by STSS Co, Inc.
(Sven Tjernagel Solar Systems)

stsscoinc@comcast.net

"Our tanks are actually fully manufactured then placed in a crate 19 inches wide for shipment.  Our customers receive a complete tank, and there is no need for them to do any assembly.  Tanks can be uncrated and ready for water in 30 minutes."

EZ-Tanks

http://www.ez-tanks.com/

 

These tanks are intended to be used as light weight septic tanks, but might also work for heat storage tanks.
Said to be good for service temperatures up to 200F.
Can be used free standing.  Flat pack for shipping.   Sizes range from 500 to 2000 gallon.
About $1200 for the 1000 gallon tank.
ICE-X  BATTERY
Uses ice to store "coolth"

http://www.bio-radiant.com/

 

A way to store cold for later use.
Western Environmental Liner

http://www.westernliner.com/

 

Supplier of custom made tank liners.  They will make a liner to fit your tank.
They also sell EPDM, PVC etc. lining materials.
PlastaFlex Liners

http://www.plastatech.com

 

Potential lining material for thermal storage tanks.
Flexi-Liner

http://www.flexi-liner.com/index.htm

 

Supplier of custom made tank liners.  They will make a liner to fit your tank/pond in various materials.
Firestone EPDM Membrane

www.firestonebpe.com/roofing/rubbergard/_en/

 

 

The Firestone EPDM membrane site provides quite a bit of specification and installation material for EPDM membrane materials.
Marathon

www.marathonheaters.com/consumers.html

 

 

An interesting all plastic water heating or water storage tank. 
Can be used for solar applications is temperature is limited to 185F or less:
www.marathonheaters.com/cons_solarapps.html

Warrantee is as long as you own your house.

Rheem

http://www.rheem.com

 

Storage tanks for solar hot water heating applications.  Hot water tanks...
Solar water heater storage tanks.

 

Bee Valve

http://www.beevalve.com/

 

 

Makers of a very wide variety of valves, strainers, gauges, and tank fittings.
Mostly in higher temperature plastics.
Phase Change Materials for Heat Storage
RUBITHERM

http://www.rubitherm.com/english/index.htm

 

A supplier of a variety of phase change materials for heat storage in solar systems.
Reflector Film
Nielsen Enterprises

http://www.mirrorsheeting.com/

 

A source for a variety of styles of aluminized Mylar (Polyester film) for making reflectors.
I have made several purchases for Nielsen and always received good service.

Full rolls can be purchased via the manufactures such as DuPont

Greentrees Hydroponics

http://www.hydroponics.net/

 

Reflective film as used in hydroponics applications.  Several types.

Look under: Products -> Reflective Wall Coverings

ReflecTech Film

http://www.reflectechsolar.com/technical.htm

 

 

A reflective film made for outdoor reflector applications.  High reflectance and good outside durability.  The back side has an adhesive layer for application.
About $3 per sqft.

(thanks to Bill for suggesting this)
Installing Panels
To Add: the common attachment schemes for various roof styles.  
Roof Mounting without Roof Damage

http://www.4specs.com/s/07/07-7250.html

 

Mounting collectors or equipment on a tar roof without damage.
S5 Attachment Hardware

http://www.s-5solutions.com/html/Hardware/

 

A means to install panels to standing seam roofs.
Selective Surfaces
Potential Selective Coatings Suppliers

http://www.mtisolar.com/

http://www.tinox.de/tinox/gbtinox.html

http://www.solec.org/

http://www.sunselect.de

Potential suppliers of selective coatings pre-applied to a metal substrate, or selective paints.
 

I'm not sure how any of these suppliers will feel about small orders, or what the prices might be. 

If you have experience with any of these suppliers (or others), I'd like to hear about it.
-----------
Solkote from www.solec.org is apparently available in gallon quantities.  Here is a note that was posted by Jeff on it:
A gallon of solkote runs about $60 + shipping ($20 or so). 500 ft square or so of coverage.
Solkote advised not using aluminum flashing as the quality of aluminum is low because of the amount of magnesium and indicated this would lead to decreased life. All news to me!

Thurmalox Selective Surface Coating

www.dampney.com/...

 

http://www.solar-components.com/batchheat.htm

 

This is a silicone based selective coating that comes in a spray can.  If this works, it might be a good DIY alternative to the selective coatings listed above. 
It is claimed that when applied at 0.5 mil thick, it has an absorptivity of 0.96 and an emissivity of 0.52.   This is not as good as some commercial selective coatings, but is a good improvement over black paint.  It is claimed that it holds up well to inside of collector environments.  A can covers 50 sqft and costs around $15.
If you have had any experience with this product, please let me know how it worked out.
Piping, Tubing
Endot Industries

http://www.endot.com

 

A manufacturer of various types of HDPE and PE plastic pipe.

Good specification, reference, and plumbing design material for download in the support area.
Berry Hill Irrigation

http://www.berryhilldrip.com/

 

 

Irrigation systems, large rolls of irrigation piping, ..
IPEX -- PEX pipe

http://www.ipexinc.com/Content/en_ca/index.asp

 

The IPEX technical library has a lot of good reference material on PEX and PEX-AL-PEX pipe as applied to radiant floor heating. 
You will need to go through a short registration procedure.
Copper.Org

www.copper.org

Search for "The Copper Tube Handbook" -- 7mb of more than you will ever need to know about copper tubing/pipe size,  geometry, ratings, ...
Drillspot -- Pipe Insualtion

www.drillspot.com/...

 

One source for thick wall, closed cell pipe insulation.
MAXX-R Pipe Insulation System

http://www.heatall.com/maxx-r/index.html

 

An insulating scheme for buried pipes.

The claimed R values seem reasonable for the the thickness of the insulation (in contrast to some of the products in this area).

Heat Exchangers
See also some of the suppliers listed on this page in the "Wide Line of Solar Products", and under the "Solar Water Heating" for heat exchangers.

 

 
Wood Stove Hot Water Coils

http://www.hilkoil.com/

 

 

Stainless steel coils to extract heat from a wood stove firebox for heating water.
Be EXTREMELY careful how you plumb these to avoid steam expolosions.
STSS Pipe Coil Heat Exchangers

www.stsscoinc.com/Products_SolarAndDHW.aspx

 

Copper coil heat exchangers.  These heat exchangers are immersed in a heat storage tank.

Some performance

More Beer Heat Exchanger

http://morebeer.com

 

This is a heat exchanger made for making beer, but might be of use in some solar applications.  Its a copper tube inside a copper tube -- the price is reasonable $109.  If it does not work out you can always try your hand a making beer.

It is NOT a double wall heat exchanger, so don't use it where a double wall is needed for code or health reasons.

Magic Aire -- Water to Air

http://www.magicaire.com/productd.htm

Supplier of water to air heat exchangers and air handlers.
Heat Exchangers Online

http://www.heatexchangersonline.com/index.htm

 

A variety of types of heat exchangers with some design information.
Silicon Solar

http://www.siliconsolar.com/...

And, similar ones, with  more data:
http://www.heatexchangersonline.com/airtowater.htm

 

Air to water heat exchangers.
Heat Transfer Compounds
Thermon Heat Transfer Compounds

www.thermon.com/catalogs/us/thermon.html

 

The problem of thermally bonding tubing to a storage tank or an absorber fin comes up a lot.  This stuff might work -- have not tried.  Please let me know if you do.
Heat Transfer Plates
BlueRidge

www.blueridgecompany.com/...

 

Aluminum heat transfer plates that slip over PEX tubing.  Intended to make radiant floors more efficient.  Can probably also be used in building solar collectors.
Radiant Heating
IPEX and Warmrite

http://www.ipexinc.com

Supplier of radiant floor heating products.

Some good downloads in "Tech Library"

Radiant Engineering

www.radiantengineering.com/index.html

Radiant heating products.
Warmzone

http://www.warmzone.com/

Supplier of radiant floor heating systems and components
The BlueRidge Company

http://blueridgecompany.com/

Supplier of radiant floor heating systems and components
Slant Fin

http://www.slantfin.com/

Supplier of radiant floor heating systems and components
Wirsbo

http://www.wirsbo.com

Manufacturer of radiant floor heating compnents.
PEX Connection

http://www.pexconnection.com/index.php

Supplier of PEX tubing and radiant floor supplies
Radiant Direct

http://www.radiantdirect.com/index.php

Supplier of radiant floor heating systems and components
Plumbing Goods

http://www.plumbinggoods.com

Supplier of radiant floor heating systems and components
Condensing Boilters

NTI:
www.nythermal.com/Products/boilers/gas/trinity.htm

Dunkirk:
http://www.dunkirk.com/index.asp

One potential supplier for efficient, condensing boilers that work well in solar radiant floor systems.


Note that some conventional boilers that require a high minimum return temperature do not work well with solar.
adiant Floor Company

http://www.radiantcompany.com/details/

 

 

Lots of good installation and design detail on this site.
RadiantTec

http://www.radiantec.com/

Supplier of radiant floor heating systems

Please note that I have had no dealings with most of the suppliers, and cannot vouch for them in any way.  These links are just a place to get started in your system/component searches.  I have no financial or other arrangement of any kind with any of these suppliers.

Gary April 16, 2008

 


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