Aluminum Absorbers are Hot in Europe

Kevin_in_Denver_2

According to Sun and Wind Energy Magazine, EU manufacturers supplying Al absorbers now outnumber the copper manufacturers. Obviously it's a cost thing.



SWE also says drainback systems are gaining market share in Europe.



Are they compatible? Some of them have all-aluminum wetted surfaces.

hot_rod

what about glycol

it would require a high temperature, AL friendly solar fluid in an aluminum absorber. Knowing that all collectors stagnate, some on a daily basis, it seems that it would be tough to maintain a aluminum friendly ph?



I see aluminum solar tubing on the market also, although copper prices dropped a bit yesterday.



The tube that has my attention is a copper inner, aluminum outer layer. it contains 40% less copper. That might offer better characteristics for solar tube, at least on the inside.



Composites are another material being developed for collector fabrication.



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Tom in Maine

Aluminum Absorbers

We seem to see "new" aluminum heating components every couple years. They usually come from Europe. They come and then go as corrosion issues bring great expectations in reality.

It would be interesting if there is a lower cost absorber out there that is all aluminum.

I would not bet the farm on it until it is around for at least 5-10 years. There are too many aluminum baseboard and solar corpses out there.



Copper is still a good deal. It is serviceable, and even at the highest prices we have seen it is still not out of reach.



Tom in Maine