Trying to figure out a way to warm up the water coming in off the street.

I've read that in newer (bigger) homes they are using a motion detector in the bathroom (or near the furthest fixture) that will turn the recirc pump on. That way the pump only runs when someone is in the bathroom.
Makes sense!

 

I just seen an interesting gizmo on This Old House a few weeks ago. IIRC, it installed at the sink (bathroom in this case) and when you turn the hot water on it just dumped the water back into the cold water supply line until it got hot...genius!

 

Here's an interesting read on Point Of Use Electric Tankless water heaters.
I've also read about using an electric water heater to preheat water, then finish heating the water at the fixture. This guy only uses POUET water heaters.
Point-of-Use Electric Tankless Water Heaters

 

Just uses the cold water pipe for the return? that would probably be good for most people and most fixtures, accept the kitchen sink. Especially if you drink your tap water...

 

What, you don't like a nice glass of warm water?!

 

Oh! One other thing. I only run 1/2" pipe for the hot water. Less wasted water and the hot water gets there faster!

 

Sure!
I like hot tea. And when it cools down...its now Iced tea

 

Now if we could get that recirc pump on 100% solar.

 

Ha, just had a thought, amazing I know, do you have a dead space or unused closet or nook in the heated part of the house to put a tank to "heat" the water?It would not have to be very large, even if you preheat 15-20 gals that would cover most water usage situations. Heck a 15 gallon tank in a closet you are using would not even take up much space.

one cubic foot is 7.5 gallons pretty compact