Solar Heating Made Easy -- That Works!!!

COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS here: http://blog.imehrle.com/2011/02/10/solar-heating-made-easy----very-easy.aspx

These small solar panels I made work... got my gas bill today. Last months payment (during a warmer cycle - December) was $131... this month (during a colder cycle - January) was only $126. http://bit.ly/Lower_with_Solar
Last year usage was 5.5ccf this year is 4.1ccf


http://iMehrle.com

Again written and picture instructions here:

http://blog.imehrle.com/2011/02/10/solar-heating-made-easy----very-easy.aspx
Making a solar panel has never been easier. Mike shows you how to make a panel to heat a room or even a whole house starting at about $50. That's right... 50 BUCKEROOS!!!

No UGLY boxes hanging on the side of your house. No cutting holes in the side of you house to get the heat in. No infiltration of the nights cold in to the room adjacent an exterior panel.

Made from window film, Cinefoil, aluminum flashing, aluminum heating tape and screen frames.

Live in and apartment or condo? No problem!!! These hang in a window and
can be taken down in the spring. No zoning issues to be concerned with.

Nothing but positive about this solar panel.

ENJOY!!!

MikeM

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Solar
• Solar Heating
• Solar Panels
• Solar Film
• Solar Foil
• Passive Solar
• The Savvy Tech

[ecrouch77]

Are there holes punched in the bottom of the flashing as well as the top? I couldn't tell from your instructions on Instructables. Thanks.

[TheSavvyTech]

@ecrouch77 yes... needed to allow air flow

[pilarandmike]

That is fantastic! I love trhis project, can't wait to show my husband.

Now, if we could find an efficient way to cool as well.

[TheSavvyTech]

@pilarandmike I will be working on that later this year. Building a log cabin to retire to in the country this summer.

[olddawgsrule]

Built one yesterday before AFC game and lost the sun behind the clouds to get a real run with it. Hope to see it cook today! I'm assuming you don't have holes in the Cinefoil because it's thin and the heat dissipates quickly through it. I used a second piece of tin (painted black of course) and now think it may have too much mass. Probably should have used tin-foil and kept it thin.

[SocialMediaTV]

@olddawgsrule THANKS... Actually a fan can pull cooler air through to quickly not allowing it to heat up. Heat rises and the farther it has to travel the hotter it gets inside the chamber; which is way you don't need a fan because it is creating its own air flow. Same number of holes at the bottom and the top.

[olddawgsrule]

Very nice build and great instructional on your site. Job well done! The question was asked and haven't seen the answer here or on the site. Holes seem to only be on the top. Is this true? If so; I assume you tried holes both top & bottom. What were your results? Oops, looks like you did... sorry 'bout that. Then I assume same pattern both top and bottom. Have you tried a low volume fan yet? If so; How did production respond? Again; Very nice job done here and on your site!

[j5ivek]

I'm making one for my parents its has aluminum cans and going to sit outside will hairdryer tight plastic work just as well as pexiglass thanks Kevin kevinjaynes@hotmail.com

[DezinerDiva]

This is a great project for our house until we are able to get new windows. We lose so much heat that it would be great to get something back from them instead. Thanks for the info! This country was built by those who created and invented, then shared those ideas. Your efforts are appreciated. :-)

[rigidheddleweaving]

@rigidheddleweaving Also, how about storing the heat in water bottles? Run tubing along the peg board and then let the thermosiphoning begin?

[rigidheddleweaving]

I don't have a lot of tools, but would pegboard work? Tape over the holes in the middle and leave holes in the top and bottom?

[SocialMediaTV]

@helpmonkey the only negative feedback I see is yours. This is a great project (especially to learn by) that even the most unhandy person can tackle.

[SocialMediaTV]

@helpmonkey Nope... Monkey, you're wrong... you are assuming that I want to leave my windows open all day to allow all the thieves to look in to see if I am home or to scout it out to see if there is anything they want... The panels are on the sides of the drapes and you can only draw them so far anyway.

Besides... these things only weigh about 2 and a half pounds and mount with suction cups... if I want day light in "WHILE I AM HOME" I can easily take them out of the window.