A solar heater is one of the many solar heating systems that uses the sun as its main source of energy. Knowing how to build a solar heater can greatly help save the environment and saving money at the same time.
A typical solar heating system consists of the following:
- A solar panel or solar connector- with a heat transfer fluid flowing through it to transport the heat energy collected to somewhere useful, usually a hot water tank or household radiators.
- A pump- pushes the heat transfer liquid (often just treated water) through the panel. The heat is thus taken from the panel and transferred to a storage cylinder.
A solar heating device can be divided into two groups:
- Active solar heating- uses pumps which move air or a liquid from the solar collector into the building or storage area.
- Passive solar heating does not require electrical or mechanical equipment, and may rely on the design and structure of the house to collect, store and distribute heat throughout the building.
Solar heating also refers to the heating of any substances, as well as buildings, cars, through solar radiation. Solar heating depends on the solar emission, surface area, surface reflectance, surface emissivity, ambient temperature, and thermal convection from wind. Solar heaters can be solar water heater, solar pool heater, solar air heater and many more.
Here are the steps on how to make a solar heater:
1. Start with the Glass. Use a double-pained window for outside solar heaters and use Plexiglas if you are building an inside solar heater.
2. Build the Frame that will fit the glass that you have. Nail a piece of 1/2" plywood to the back of the frame
3. Add Insulation and the Absorption Plate. Line the back of the panel with 1.5" insulation board. Cut to fit using a utility knife. Aluminum flashing is used as the heat absorption plate.
4. Screw Window Frame to Panel. Set the window frame on the weather-stripping and screw into place.
5. Add the Baffles. Add strips of insulation board to the sides of the panel. Add the interior frame boards and baffles. When the glass is added, these boards must seal to the top of the glass. Screw the interior frame boards directly to the side of the panel. Keep everything at the same height.
6. Screwed the baffle boards in place by first drilling several holes down through the baffles. Apply weather-stripping to the bottom of the baffle boards. Then a screw is driven down the baffles, through the insulation board, then into the plywood at the bottom.
7. Cut Out the Air Openings. Put the openings on the same side so they wouldn't interfere with some cabinets on the wall. The opening size should closely match the pathway size.
8. Hang the Panel. Figure out where the wall studs or roof rafters are. Fasten your panel to these studs or rafters. Line up your panel so the air intake and outlet doesn't hit a stud or rafter.
This is how to build a solar heater that is the typical type.
