Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => Real Estate, housing, house and land ownership => Topic started by: iammike on April 14, 2015, 04:45:51 PM

Title: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 14, 2015, 04:45:51 PM
Hi,

Does anyone here have a Solar Water Heater installation ?

If so, I have some questions.

- How many liter system do you have ?
- are you happy with it ?
- what did you approx pay for it ?
- where did you buy it and are you happy with the service?

Thanks
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Westlife on April 14, 2015, 06:06:23 PM
Sorry iammike I can't answer any of your question ....but I'm all for saving a bit of money when I can . moneysmile

Even though we live in a country that is well suited to producing hot ( ish ) water from Solar powers I would imagine the costs of installing a system would far out-way the saving that could be made . ???

When I think about the amount of hot water I use,  I personally can't see the point.(http://forum-media.finanzen.net/forum/user_image.m?file_id=19640&resize=150x225)

You could always try a DIY system of your own :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDpZZuAezMI
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 14, 2015, 06:42:19 PM
Thanks Westlife.

But I already have a water heater but I want to change that one to a Solar one as it's a too big a draw on my electricty supply and unfortunately I can't get a bigger supply, so it's not a question of saving any money (which I doubt you will with these systems as what I have seen they cost around 50-60k for a medium system (but that price could be wrong).

A do it yourself system is not what I am looking for thanks
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: smoooth2 on April 14, 2015, 07:55:08 PM
Perhaps a chat with Pichai at Ruangsandthai Merchant Builders store would be worthwhile.

He certainly has the respect of many members here on BE for his customer relations skills, and if he cannot supply a system for you, I'm sure he could recommend another supplier.

Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 14, 2015, 08:02:37 PM
Thanks Smoooth2.

I already send Bob (RuangsangThai's Manager) an email, but I am also looking for hands-on experiences, so people who actually own such a system, just to see if they are happy and general tips.

Thanks again, much appreciated!
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Admin on April 14, 2015, 10:20:49 PM
I thought about this idea in the past, I really did a research and reviewed the costs and benefits, I came to conclusion its not cost effective and I came to the point I understand why Thai won't invest in such solar systems.
Its so hot you don't need the water to be that hot and the small electic SHARP/PANASONIC water-heaters are doing a great job at minimal cost.
The only time you might want something better is the water heater work on gas (ON DEMAND) when its cold but its only two months a year anyway.
PLUS, there might be some electric water heaters that can handle this demand but the boiler must have bigger capacity and higher W.

sawadi
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: davureborn on April 15, 2015, 06:39:52 AM
Sorry iammike I can't answer any of your question ....but I'm all for saving a bit of money when I can . moneysmile

Even though we live in a country that is well suited to producing hot ( ish ) water from Solar powers I would imagine the costs of installing a system would far out-way the saving that could be made . ???

When I think about the amount of hot water I use,  I personally can't see the point.(http://forum-media.finanzen.net/forum/user_image.m?file_id=19640&resize=150x225)

You could always try a DIY system of your own :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDpZZuAezMI

The video shows a system for making 2 US GALLONS (he means 7.5 litres) of very hot water and doesn't indicate how he gets it into the house. "According to the study, the average eight-minute shower used 62 litres of hot water, and some power showers can use up to 136 litres, compared with an average bath's 80 litres." Using solar power to heat up water is easy to do but expensive and needs a bit more than shown in the video (pressure release valve, mixer, delivery). My wife is nagging me to buy a bath before we even have electricity in the future new bathroom, so I have been looking at this also.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 15, 2015, 09:25:15 AM
I already have a water heater a 6000 watts, and I tried to use a 3500 watts but that just can't handle good pressure, so the water stays too cold.

But my problem is that the 6000 watts is way to powerful for my electricity supply and I can't get a bigger supply (like 30/100), and NO I am not going to shut everything down just to take a shower 55555555

Re: ROI

I am honestly not bothered if the ROI on the Solar Water Heater is 0% or even minus 10% ;) because it will solve a problem for me.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 15, 2015, 09:47:20 AM
Found some sites

http://www.saveenergyasia.com/htmlsite/products/solarhotwater.html

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

Have send them an email and will report back if they reply.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Westlife on April 15, 2015, 11:40:58 AM


You could always try a DIY system of your own :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDpZZuAezMI

The video shows a system for making 2 US GALLONS (he means 7.5 litres) of very hot water and doesn't indicate how he gets it into the house. "According to the study, the average eight-minute shower used 62 litres of hot water, and some power showers can use up to 136 litres, compared with an average bath's 80 litres." Using solar power to heat up water is easy to do but expensive and needs a bit more than shown in the video (pressure release valve, mixer, delivery).

I was being a little light-hearted when I posted that you-tube  :)  I think most people ,  even those with only a small amount of plumbing knowledge would know that a solar water heating system is a bit more complicated than just a coiled up piece a black pipe  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: smoooth2 on April 15, 2015, 11:47:59 AM
I already have a water heater a 6000 watts, and I tried to use a 3500 watts but that just can't handle good pressure, so the water stays too cold.

But my problem is that the 6000 watts is way to powerful for my electricity supply and I can't get a bigger supply (like 30/100), and NO I am not going to shut everything down just to take a shower 55555555

Re: ROI

I am honestly not bothered if the ROI on the Solar Water Heater is 0% or even minus 10% ;) because it will solve a problem for me.

Thanks.


Mike ... if you decide to scrap the solar idea ... I have 2 bathrooms, each with a Hitachi HES 45R (4500w) hot water system.

The water pressure in my place is excellent, and the Hitachi easily copes with hot water supply. In fact, we've got it turned down to almost zero at the moment. Around Christmas, when you want hot hot water, we turn the " hot dial" only about half way.

Just thought this may be helpful info for the future ... but of course ... only if your supply can handle 4500w ?

Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 15, 2015, 12:08:01 PM
Smoooth2 Thanks.

But my current Waterheater is one that works with a mixing tap and is located under a sink, so it's an automatic one. This one feeds a rain shower, I am very happy with it except for the fact it wants amps like there is no tomorrow. ;) 55555

It's one of these.

http://www.stiebeleltronasia.com/productdetail.php?productcateid=4&producttypeid=44&productseriesid=48&id=69
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: DeputyDavid on April 15, 2015, 10:38:46 PM
If I read that right it's drawis 32 amps.?.WOW  I see the need for 40 amp dedicated line for that.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 15, 2015, 11:08:36 PM
At 220v it draws 27,3A with a max of 29.6A at 240v.

The recommended breaker for it is 32amps and cable recommendation is 6mm2

Yeah it's a beast and I love it, I also had one in my condo, but I think now it's time to say goodbye and look for something else 55555
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: DeputyDavid on April 15, 2015, 11:16:17 PM
Mike if you wanted to fill a spa bathtub you would need one like that or do they have bigger?
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 15, 2015, 11:24:29 PM
Here is an 8000 watt version, but it's a bit bigger then mine.

http://www.stiebeleltronasia.com/productdetail.php?productcateid=4&producttypeid=44&productseriesid=85&id=1137
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 17, 2015, 09:06:03 AM
I may have found an alternative.

It's a Boiler with it's own electric supply, the one I looked at (friends house) is 100 liters and has its own Electric heater 2000 watts.

So the water is always hot, however this also means that the heater will start often when the water is getting too cold (certain threshold), so it will draw energy (almost) all of the time.

My friend told me that he bought it in HomePro a long time ago for around 20k and the brand name is Mazuma.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: DeputyDavid on April 17, 2015, 09:18:26 AM
Tankless is the way to go.  They are making units here that are big enough for the whole house.  In some areas it is required to install them in new builds.  A stainless tank outside in the sun gets the water quite warm as well!!
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 17, 2015, 04:34:19 PM
Hi DD,

Sorry, what do you mean by Tankless ? 

My Waterheater I have is Tankless but I sincerely doubt it that you mean those.

Your tip about the stainless tank outside is a good one, but what are you going to do then on cold days and days without sunshine (use a Waterheater;) 5555)

Personally we like to take long showers so when (if) we switch we really want something that is comparable to the setup we have now but without the (current) Amps consumption.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Westlife on April 17, 2015, 04:53:12 PM
iammike...have you asked the local Electricty Company how much it would cost to give you a bigger supply. ??   :)
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 17, 2015, 05:04:12 PM
Sorry westlife, yes I asked.

And no not possible, max available is 15/45.

And I don't wanna fork out ridiculous money if a 100k (+/-) solar system can solve my (minor) problem
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Westlife on April 17, 2015, 05:18:16 PM
Sorry westlife, yes I asked.

And no not possible, max available is 15/45.

And I don't wanna fork out ridiculous money if a 100k (+/-) solar system can solve my (minor) problem

Thats the same size meter as I have ,we have air con,fridge ,TV ,lights , Computer and a shower going at the same time ( most evenings ) with no problems.As for water temperature I may have to reduce the flow in the colder months if I want a hot shower using our 4500watt shower unit but at this time of year I would sooner have the shower turned off or on its lowest setting to be honest. :)
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 17, 2015, 05:23:02 PM
sorry again, but I already addressed this in previous posts.

Respect

Question, which kind Waterheaters do you have ? Do you have the Multi Point ones or the single point with the Dial ? I am looking to replace a multpoint one that is attached to a mixing tap and feeds a rain shower.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Westlife on April 17, 2015, 05:42:54 PM

Question, which kind Waterheaters do you have ? Do you have the Multi Point ones or the single point with the Dial ? I am looking to replace a multpoint one that is attached to a mixing tap and feeds a rain shower.

Mine is just a single point with the Dial in the shower area in the bathroom ,the Bathroom and Kitchen sinks only have cold water taps. I guess I've just got use to it over the years. I remember when my sister and brother in law came to stay ,my BiL complained about not having hot water in the Bathroom sink for shaving ........so I boiled him a kettle of water  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 17, 2015, 06:03:37 PM
Found an LPG heated Water Heater, didn't know they have them in Thailand :)

http://www.y-and-e.com/product/detail/LPG-10-5CR.htm

Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Westlife on April 17, 2015, 06:24:07 PM
Found an LPG heated Water Heater, didn't know they have them in Thailand :)

http://www.y-and-e.com/product/detail/LPG-10-5CR.htm

Hot water and gas MAZUMA 5 L.

Looks like it could do the job  :)

http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=th&u=http://www.y-and-e.com/product/detail/LPG-10-5CR.htm&prev=search
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 17, 2015, 06:55:20 PM
Yes exactly, the only problems I am seeing is,  a) that the Gas Bottle needs to be outside because you need good ventilation and finally b) where do you place something like this ? Inside the bathroom, in the attic, outside or where ? You also can't put it under the sink as its too big ;)

But thinking about it, what about in a "enclosed" box outside near the Bathroom. With "enclosed" I mean, still has good ventilation but is still protected from the elements (especially strong Wind). What do you guys think ?

I have send an email to Matzuma with the question how much LPG this uses (approximately).
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Westlife on April 17, 2015, 07:10:27 PM
But thinking about it, what about in a "enclosed" box outside near the Bathroom. With "enclosed" I mean, still has good ventilation but is still protected from the elements (especially strong Wind). What do you guys think ?

I have send an email to Matzuma with the question how much LPG this uses (approximately).

Unless one of the members here is a Gas/Plumbing engineer I would do as it recomends on they site ..............." Can be installed ( by a Gas/Plumbing engineer, I think they mean ?  )  or installed by the experts of MAZUMA

Some good reviews here ;) a few years old though ....  http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/466377-gas-water-heater/
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: iammike on April 17, 2015, 07:24:40 PM
Thanks. Good and informative link thx.

You have a good point there with the installation. Everyone in my village is a Gas Engineer as they can change a Gas bottle, but could they install this safely (NO F... WAY).
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: davureborn on April 20, 2015, 07:01:06 AM
Easy enough to build a small unit to contain it / keep the cows off.
Title: Re: Solar Water Heaters
Post by: Nobby on April 20, 2015, 10:03:31 AM
Thanks. Good and informative link thx.

You have a good point there with the installation. Everyone in my village is a Gas Engineer as they can change a Gas bottle, but could they install this safely (NO F... WAY).

I was a qualified Gas Engineer in UK (CORGI) and there were very strict regulations re size of enclosure and more importantly its ventilation.
Hope you find the info you seek.