How to Build Solar Air Panels
Solar air panels are used to heat the interior of a home by collecting and heating circulating air through a flat panel placed in a window or other opening. The panel is built using common materials, and can be constructed by the average home owner in about two hours. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plywood
- 2x4 lumber
- Wood screws
- Screwdriver
- Plexiglas sheet
- Black paint
- Measuring tape
Instructions
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1
Measure the window or opening horizontally, then measure the window's vertical gap--set by the owner, should be over 4 inches.
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2
Cut a section of plywood to the width of the horizontal window measurement, and the length of the window ledge to the ground. This is the primary panel back, and should rest on the ground at an angle from the window.
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3
Secure three 2x4's on their narrow edge to the edge of the plywood with the wood screws, to form a shallow, three-sided box.
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4
Cut four sections of 2x4, four inches long each, and secure them to the inside corners of the shallow box (flat to the plywood) with wood screws. These will provide support for the next section of wood.
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5
Cut a section of plywood that is 4 inches smaller than the first section on all sides, and mount it in the box so that there is a gap on the "bottom," where the air from the closed end of the box can circulate.
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6
Cover the inside of the box black with several coats of non-gloss paint. Allow the paint to dry.
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7
Secure the section of Plexiglas to the top of the box, sealing the black area (minus the missing 2x4 on the top). The transparent acrylic can be mounted into place with adhesives, or pre-drilled screw holes and wood screws. What is built is a "sandwiched" air stream, with a Plexiglas cover and bottom gap. As the sun heats the air in the top layer, the bottom layer draws cooler air in, creating an air heater effect when the panel is connected to a window.
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8
Cut sections of plywood to connect the panel to an open window by measuring the distance from the leaning panel to the windowsill and sawing the plywood to fit. The wood can be secured with L-brackets and wood screws.
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9
Adjust the air flow with cardboard affixed to the visible sandwiched layers of wood from the inside of the room. The bottom gap is the "input," and the top gap is the "output," and they should not be reversed with venting.
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Tips & Warnings
Use proper ventilation when working with paint or adhesives.
The finished panel can be heavy. Get help to move it if necessary.
