A solar thermal roof is basically a roof converted into one giant collector. A solar thermal roof 50’x20’ or 1000 sq ft could easily harvest the fuel oil equivalent contained in 3,000 gallons of fuel oil/year. The materials needed to make a solar thermal roof of this size cost about $4,000. It takes two men two days to assemble. A 3,000 gallon heat storage vault takes a full day to build. The plumbing and radiant heating system could take another day. The material cost of the entire system would be about $6,000. The problem is that most roofs are not oriented south with the steep pitch needed to maximize winter heat gain so a radical roof and house reconstruction might be necessary to make a solar thermal roof practical. This is why more thought should go into new construction and house builders should be educated about the possibilities of a solar thermal house
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