Black plastic coiled collector questions

[russ]

I have looked over the site at that link it is a very comprehensive write up. Basically when you say that it will cost you heat, you are referring to the PC absorbing some of the energy and not transferring it to the black pipe like an oven would heat a roast?

Yep - the poly will absorb/reflect a good portion of what you want - direct is better.

[Sunsneaker]

Hi and welcome to Solar Pabel Talk!

Look at Black pipe coil pool heater http://rimstar.org/renewnrg/solar_po...ter_diy_fp.htm

Enclosing the loop in polycarbonate will cost you heat - not needed.

I have looked over the site at that link it is a very comprehensive write up. Basically when you say that it will cost you heat, you are referring to the PC absorbing some of the energy and not transferring it to the black pipe like an oven would heat a roast?

[russ]

Hi and welcome to Solar Pabel Talk!

Look at Black pipe coil pool heater http://rimstar.org/renewnrg/solar_po...ter_diy_fp.htm

Enclosing the loop in polycarbonate will cost you heat - not needed.

[Sunsneaker]

I have seen a couple of posts warning against enclosing black plastic coil collectors but no one says why. Can anyone elaborate on the reason?

I am starting plans for a set of coiled collectors for a club I belong to. I would think enclosing them with poly-carbonate would increase the amount of heat they collect thus increasing their efficiency.

Thank you in advance for your input.