How to Heat Water Using Solar Energy

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Last Updated: June 24, 2023

Solar energy is energy given off in the form of light and heat. There are many ways to turn this into energy we can use, from the high- to low-tech. This is a very low-tech and cheap method of heating water while running it though a garden hose

Steps

Try to get enough bottles to cover as much of the hose as possible.
Lay the hose out in full sunlight, run a little water through it to make sure there is water resting throughout the length of the hose.
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Could the water get too hot, requiring a pressure release?

Community Answer

Yes. Water tanks have pressure releases on them. If they don't work, the tank can explode.

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Question

What are the forms of energy available?

Debra Bish

Community Answer

Wood, heating oil, propane, Natural gas, electric, solar, and wind are just a few off the top of my head. While not all forms are available everywhere, there are usually more than a few options available for heating water in the US.

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Tips

Using a dark colored hose or painting the hose black will help heat the water.

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The longer the hose, the warmer the water will be.

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While driving lay plastic bottles filled with water on the dashboard and you'll have hot water at your next rest stop. You will be surprised how hot the water gets.

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Warnings

It is NOT advisable to use a dark hose in a solar application for "cooking", as dark colored hoses when heated will leach plastic and rubber toxins from the hose into the water. This application is best for washing and showering, not for digesting.

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It can take a while to collect enough bottles so start before summer. Keep them in a box for next time.

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The water will never get as hot as that from a boiler.

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This will only work if there is sunshine.

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