| If no leaks have appeared after 24 hours, install electric heat cables and 3/4 -inch closed-cell foam insulation on all exterior plumbing. (The heat cables are insurance against an unexpected freeze. They can be omitted in very warm climates.) Next, clean the Mylar reflector of any accumulated dirt, and remove the plastic protective sheeting from the tank's selective surface. Install the glazing frames and complete any remaining work on the enclosure. Every seam in the hatch heater's enclosure should be thoroughly sealed with a | high-quality silicone caulk. Next, install 3/4-inch, closed-cell foam insulation on all your home's interior hot water lines; insulate your existing water heater with at least six inches of fiber glass; install flow restrictors on all faucets and shower heads; and (if you have an electric water heater) install a timer to eliminate unnecessary nighttime heating of your water supply. (Full details of an energy-efficiency retrofit of a home's water heating system appeared in our September, 1980 issue.) All that's left is to go inside and take your first solar-heated shower. |
The People Behind Sun On Tap Although each installment of Sun On Tap showed only one name as the author, there were actually dozens of people involved in the research and design. My thanks especially to: Jim Eldon, Director Of Design; Diana Branch, former Product Testing Director; Bob Flower, Product Testing Engineer; Dave Sellers, Product Testing Engineer; Keith Marks, Design Prototyper; Phil Gehret, Design Prototyper; and Harry Wohlbach, Product Testing Technician. |
Parts And Sizes