DIY Solar Power - Solar Heating Panels - By: Anna Williams

Making DIY solar heating panels can be pretty simple, as long as you prepare the materials you need for the project. Anyone with average handyman skills should be able to easily complete the task, and special tools are not required.

All you need, in terms of equipment, are:

* a wood saw

* a hacksaw

* a drill

* a screwdriver

* a hammer

* screws

* nails

* a file

* a paintbrush

* a tape measure

Materials you need to procure include the following:

* a 10mm annealed copper tube

* a 16swg aluminum sheet

* glass fiber wool

* a marine-ply sheet

* 4mm glass

* timber for the frame

The copper tubes will be used to bring the water through the collector area. Copper has high thermal conductivity which makes it perfect for the job. It is available at most plumbers' shops, and comes in 20m, 25m, and 30m coils.

Once you've assembled the copper tubing, you'll attach it to the blackened absorber plate. It will collect the heat of the sun and transfer it to the copper tubing. It is recommended to use aluminum as an absorber plate because it is cheaper than copper sheets and it is more readily available in most locations.

The absorber plate will be encased inside a wooden frame. It is made from hardwood, with a marine-ply backing sheet. If you want the frame to last longer, a preservative coating should be applied to it. This will add a couple of years of service.

The last part of the DIY solar heating panel is the transparent cover. This will prevent heat loss especially during cool weather. Glass is preferable because of its high light-transmission value. If you can't afford a float glass, acrylic sheeting should be a suitable substitute. The downside of using acrylic sheeting is that it can be prone to scratching and discoloration.

The efficiency of DIY solar heating panels might not be as good as the efficiency of commercially available ones, but they can get good results. And imagine of the savings you can get when you make one. A DIY solar heating panel costs a third the price of a commercial one. Not only that but you'll be cutting down your energy bill as well if you use it. If constructed right, the panel has a life expectancy of twenty years. There are no moving parts involved, and no maintenance should be required the panel.

Constructing DIY solar heating panels is not complicated and is one of the easier DIY solar power projects. This is one project that you should definitely try if you are interested in setting up DIY solar power equipment or systems. You can use the panel to heat your pool, or to supply your home with hot water.

About the Author

Anna is a webmaster and a writer who educates others on the benefits of nontoxic lifestyles and clean energy. To obtain step-by-step guidance on DIY Solar Power installations, and for more information on how to install a solar power system in your home, please visit her website, at DIY Solar Power.

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