During winter we need to use heat. This uses electricity and electricity costs money. Moreover, if this electricity comes from a fossil fuel source, it is also harsh on the environment. Hence, DIY solar thermal panels are something that benefits both your household bills and additionally, preserves the environment.This is a relatively easy project, especially when compared to other solar related devices.
The materials required for a DIY solar thermal panels project
Soda cans (since these are usually constructed from aluminum), spray, insulation (preferably reflective), caulk and tools such as tape to measure, drill, knife, tool that can used efficiently to cut wood (awl is one such example), tools for boring, hooks for the solar insulation.
Steps involved in the process of buidling diy solar thermal panels
Next, the following steps are listed in order to guide anyone who wishes to build these solar thermal panels:
- Firstly, the dimensions such as length and width of the windows of your room that receives the most sunlight on average per day are recorded. Accordingly, an appropriate number of aluminum cans (cleaned thoroughly to make sure there is no residue) are collected.
- Secondly, holes are drilled through the top of the aluminum cans in addition to the surface underneath. A kit of tools made for boring holes can be used to carry out this task. Lining the inside of these holes with caulk before inserting aluminum can into it is highly recommended. There is a curing process involved whenever caulk is used. Hence, around four hours should be given before proceeding to the next step. Next, they can be painted black using a spray paint. This should be done thoroughly and is followed by leaving them for a good 8-9 hours (alternatively, one can just store them overnight) to let them dry properly
- Next, insulation can be measured first (using your window’s dimensions) and is accordingly sliced. The responsibility of the insulation is primarily to ensure sufficient heating of the soda cans (which are attached to the insulation via caulking the underneath surface of these aluminum cans)
- Holes can then be made on the insulation (at the corners). These holes can be used to attach hooks to them which will enable them to be attached to the rods for curtains near the window thus making their use and removal (when necessary), much easier and convenient.
- The fundamental process will make use of the fact that hot air rises. In this case, the source of heat for the warm air comes from the warmth of the sun (and focused by reflection from the insulator). This warm air is then guided and directed by the tube which allows it to rise. The cold air at the bottom is replaced every time and heats up and rises, thereby, heating the room. It must be noted that the efficiency of this simple device is especially high for small rooms.
