ER> When you say $800., are you talking about top of the line (and
  > largest)?
I don't know about top-of-the-line, however, I would expect it to be
of excellant quality. And, it was the largest model they had.
ER> We don't need a tremendous amount of hot water and it will be in
  > a mobile unit. We just want to make sure we can, at least, *fill*
  > a bathtub!
Well, the smallest model will do that, it just takes longer to fill
it. 
ER> May I ask "What is a Solar Batch Water Heater"?
 
A batch heater is basically a storage tank that is heated by the sun.
It is a passive system, no pumps or any mechanical parts, very simple.
They are easy to build, and the cost of the componants are low.
My system uses three used water heater tanks. They came from old water
heaters that usually leaked or were not functioning properly. I
removed the 'skin,' gas componants, and insulation, fixed the leaks
(if required), polished up the tank, and painted them ultra black.
Then I put them into an insulated box, plumbed them in series, put on
a clear covering, and whoala, lots and lots of free hot water!
ER> Can it be used with a Propane or Electric Hot Water tank?
 
Or, even the tankless systems you were origionally inquiring about. In
either case if you can raise the input water temp, you will realize
savings. The tankless would save you more however, er, ah, if you can
overcome the high initial price.
If you don't use a lot of hot water, and you already have a
conventional water heater, I think it would be more economical to keep
it, and augment it with a batch system. You would increase your hot
water supply and save money.
ER> Sorry, what I should have asked was if it can be used with
  > Propane or Electricity, as well as gas?
 
Please note that propane is a gas when it reaches the appliance.
Tankless water heaters of the type being discussed run on gas. They
can be purchased for either methane (city gas) or propane. Propane is
much more expensive. But you don't have a choice, if you don't near
gas service.
TH> I had considered using an electric water heater as a backup
  > should I run out of gas during the winter. That would be the only
  > reason why I would do this. After all, I have 140 gals of hot
  > water each day the sun shines.  Sounds great, but we would be limited for space in a Mobile Park.
  > This is why we are considering getting rid of the water tank.
Well, a single 40-tank of the design I mentioned I think would suit a
mobile nicely. However, I note that you live in Canada. The winter
days are shorter. It would be importand to use lots of insulation, and
an insulated cover to keep the heat in at night. If you don't do that,
the water going into your regular water heater could actually be
colder than the origional water supply. You would actually loose
money.
ER> Haven't heard from anyone in Florida, but it should be the same
  > in California........right?
The problem with Florda is staying cool. 
ER> Apologize for butting in.
No apologies necessessary.
 ER> Elaine
Tim
 
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