Batch Solar Heater

It has been an interest for many years to utilize solar technology from the "70s" to offset some of the heating and hot water needs of today's homes and businesses. Thinking back to the old Mother Earth News and Whole Earth Catalogue days, I remember an article that spoke of a Batch Water Heater. Simply put, the article suggested using an old refrigerator as an insulated storage container with a stripped, used water heater tank installed inside it. This configuration was to be orientated to solar south, with the "fridge" door open during a sunny day and closed when the sun went down. If it was sunny, you got a hot shower! When you look at the pay back period for most alternative energy, 15 years is considered good, even with "Tax Credits". As an energy marketer, Stockbridge Gas Co. would like to offer better, more cost efficient solutions. We are about to embark on some "batch solar water heater" experiments. This technology is available to anyone that has access to the web. Simply type in "batch solar water heater" for many designs. Properly done, the collector is located as close to the point of use as possible. Depending on how elaborate you choose to be, the hot water could be used directly or piped to preheat what ever you currently use to heat your hot water. If it is sunny, more expensive energy use can be avoided. Eventually, a new mind set will take over, and true conservation thinking will become a habit, especially if you try to discipline yourself and family to utilize solar energy as much as possible, without utilizing any more "purchased" energy than absolutely necessary. Remember, no one has figured out how to meter the sun. Let us know how you make out in your experiments. Wishing you many Sunny Days. Nick