The idea is simple. Throw the black water line up on your roof (coiled up/spooled on the ends/whatever your space allows for), fasten the hose down with some standard clamps and structural adhesive (about $5 for a full tube the size of caulk, but you wont use that much), run the lines down through the roof (again sealing with gaps with the adhesive), and splice into your hotwater line near your existing water heater. Just make sure to include a valve(again I recommend the Apollo valves as they install in all of about 7 seconds) and a drain (cap and plug) for those times when you want to empty the system out (so the lines don’t freeze in the winter).

Its not fancy or perfect, but it should give a few extra gallons of hot water when the sun is out, its nearly maintenance free, and after you buy the few pieces needed to install it, its free energy.

Hope this helps.

-Chance

I own a almost “green” Bigfoot slide-in camper (RV). I say almost because I installed an additional small instaneous water heater to use when I’m plugged in. It is 3000 watts and needs a 25 amp breaker. It provides endless hot water for as long as you are plugged in. You RV needs to have the ability to handle that 3000 watt demand. A 30 amp system can and does do it but if you want to run the microwave at the same time your system may be challenged. Otherwise it’s great!

As well, the model I used can be installed just before the existing 6 gallon standard water heater to preheat the 6 gallons and provide even more hot water quickly.

They have smaller models with less watts but they would hardly do the the job if you want water for shower.

I can run this off my battery bank as I have 6 220 amp hour batteries. The original intention was to provide endless hot water when I was hooked up somewhere.

Cost me $239.99 last April 2008.

If you need any more info, let me know and I will be glad to help you.

Trace
Bigfoot 3000SL series
http://www.bigfootrv.com/bigfootrv_truck_campers_3000.html

Couldn’t you place a solar water panel on your roof say about a 3 foot by 4 to 6 foot? Circulate the hot water to a small insulated tank just as you would for your home?

So far I have not had anyone address that solar issue. The Internet is loaded with info on homes. The only practical way to heat water on a RV is to plug in dockside, use propane or use on board battery banks which generally can’t provide that kind of energy for the time it takes to heat a 6 to 10 gallon water heater tank. “Full Timer’s”, as they are called would be very interested in going green in somehow solving that RV hot water issue.

I thought maybe your article would a least touch on the topic.

Hopefull Green RVer