Solar powered heating

[andyjevs]

Been toying with the idea of using solar power to heat the water in my 3,000 koi carp pond during winter to try to maintain a min temp of 15 C.

Does anyone use solar power in their homes or has anyone had any experiences, good or bad. Is it cost effective ?

I'd love to hear your comments

Ta muchly !

[stanleyman]

I'm not sure that solar power would be much use to you during winter. I know of several people who have solar water heating and they can only use it in the summer. It is quite expensive to install from a specialist. I would think that you would need very large solar panels to provide the necessary heat.

Another option is geothermal heating, taking heat out of the ground similar to a fridge operation. It could be ideal for you if run on night rate electricity. For every kilowatt used in pumping you gain three or four times the heat.