DSHW Installation in Dominica 2004
After these repairs were completed, brackets were mounted on collectors, they
were pressures tested for leaks, and transported down to the guesthouse with
David’s truck. 2x4s were painted green to match the lush landscape of
the plantation. Next, these were mounted to the joists on the roof, with lag
bolts and nuts that needed to be purchased at the local hardware store (a long
story that won’t be told here J).
At first, the plan was to install two-tank system, one relying solely on solar
heating, the other to be used as an electrical backup. Unfortunately, due to
some technical difficulties, one tank was damaged which made it no longer useable
in the system. Modifications to the original two-tank design enabled us to continue
installation with only one tank.
All of the hot water pipes in the guesthouse were insulated with black foam
to maintain high temperatures and to reduce heat loss between the hot water
heater and the faucet. After the solar were installed on top if the roof, our
work was then focused inside on the hot water tank and the plumbing needed to
connect the tank to the collectors. We made sure that the DC pump was installed
correctly, so the water was pumped in the proper direction. A check valve was
also installed, but later removed when we realized it was installed incorrectly.
Although this was removed, the system will still function properly since this
was only a precautionary measure to ensure that reverse flow would not occur.
Currently, the solar hot water heater is up and running; the solar collectors
are heating the water during the day and pumping to the hot water tank for storage
and eventually out to individual faucets and showers. By installing this system,
we should save the guesthouse about 35% of the monthly electrical bill; therefore
within one year the system should pay for itself.