Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

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Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Solar Power

I just acquired a nice solar system, 80 gallon tank with backup electric heater, differential controller, 4x10' collector panel from a house that was under renovation. Ihave all the parts - just need to install it.

They had the system all installed with copper/soldered joints. Should I stick with copper or can I use CPVC to run the plumbing from the tank to the collector?

My concern is the length of the run, the collector is at opposit ends of the house from the tank, probably 50' each way to run. Does it matter? which I use as long as I insulate them up in the attic?

thanks for any advice

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by hh on Wed, 12/16/2009 - 22:01.

The basic principle in solar water heater is extremely simple. Sunlight falls on the heat collector which contains copper tubings through which water flows. The water in tubes gets heated and goes into the tank as hot water, while cold water from inlet gets into the collector.

solar energy panel

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by bendjamin on Wed, 11/18/2009 - 05:20.

I live in Atlanta Ga. I am replacing my water main from the meter to the house. The hose has galvanized pipe now. I want to use CPVC. Can i use that instead of copper? Is that up to code and is it reccomended? I want to use a 1 inch CPVC.

Another question - i want to buy comfort zone infrared heater. Is it a good one?

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by jstack6 on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 16:19.

Insulate any pipe carrying hot or cold water. Then it will be more efficient.

This note from ezine about solar hot water pipes.

Pipes and Insulation- Because of the heat generated by the solar collectors, we recommend copper pipe. PVC piping, particularly near the solar collectors, will not withstand the high temperatures generated. High quality insulation surrounding the copper pipes in a solar hot water system prevents heat loss and makes the system more efficient

the solar stacks

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by ctyankee on Sun, 09/21/2008 - 07:44.

I thought I quoted a movie that said most of that??? Cosmo was having an affair -- insulation & efficiency just wasn't on his mind... :^)

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by ctyankee on Wed, 09/17/2008 - 17:16.

"And then there is copper. Which is the only pipe I use. It costs money. It costs money because is saves money. ... The man he understood."

"Oh Cosmo! You're so good at knowing things."

-- Moonstruck

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by athena on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 18:10.

ct, is that M or L type? I've just replaced all the copper plumbing in my brother's home because the original installation was soldered with lead. - He wanted it soldered with silver.

He didn't want the plastic pipe because it apparently contains the same chemical that resulted in all the recalled baby bottles.

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by ctyankee on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 23:53.

I'm not sure which letter is which... One is heavier and is used for higher pressure potable water, both hot & cold. The other is thinner and is intended for low pressure typical in hydronic heat (hot water baseboards).

Replacing pipe because of the solder is, well, IMHO, it's just plain dumb. {sorry} The amount of lead leaching into the water if the pipes were soldered properly is insignificant.

Plastic pipe comes in many varieties. PVC (type 1) for cold water doesn't leach. CPVC (type 2) for hot water is more $$$ and tougher. It too is insoluble unless you have *LOTS* of contaminants in the water... so much that you'd not want to use the water... The other plastics have other problems. Remember PB -- the stuff that got brittle & failed? That's a valid, yet obsolete, concern. I'd be more concerned with HFCS & diet soda.

The behavior you're describing is what gives the environmentalists a bad reputation... you know "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."

Re: Solar Water Heater - should I use CPVC or Copper?

Submitted by athena on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 16:08.

I was younger then and needed the work.

When I showed up the place had been stripped naked to get rid of water damage - mold, and the plumbing had been modified several times and really should have been saved for the Smithonian. Lots of modifications needed. Replacement was easier than fixing what was there.