[Boudicca]

I've read the threads posted a while back on using passive solar, and still need some information if you can offer it. In VA we had black plastic panels consisting of tubes in which water from our pool circulated via the pool pump. It heated 1,600 gallons of water to over 90 degrees - very efficient and the only initial cost was for the $300 rubber passive solar "mats. Surely there is a simple way to get water from roof mounted tubed mats, into the existing hot water tank in our garage? It seems our builders are missing an opportunity to offer something simple as our pool's heated water. With SO much sunshine, there must be an easy and inexpensive solution. Appreciate your input.

[Zass38]

The real issue here is that you need a heat exchanger between the solar tubing and the potable water system.

The water in the solar tubing will be contaminated and not suitable for drinking.

But, you are correct that there should be a way to install a separate pump and heat exchanger system to either heat or pre-heat water for domestic use.