How to Construct a Solar Water Heater
Constructing your own solar water heater does not necessarily have to be expensive. Depending on your geographical location, you may be able to heat several gallons of water with the sun's power year round, potentially reducing the cost of your monthly utility bills, since solar power is free. Solar water heaters, regardless of their design, do not contribute to further polluting the environment. You also use less of your own home's energy to heat water by using solar heated water. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 5-gallon bucket
- Flat black paint
- Paint brush
- Flat black spray paint, optional
- Cardboard
- Aluminum foil
- Tape
- Clear plastic
- Rubber band, very large
- 2 binder clips, medium
- Windshield reflective cover
- Wire hanger, optional
- Sunglasses, optional
Instructions
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1
Paint the 5-gallon bucket with flat black paint around the entire outside. If you do not want to mess with using a paint brush, use a flat black spray paint in a well-ventilated area. Set the bucket aside and allow it to fully dry.
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2
Cover the cardboard piece, which should be larger than the base of the bucket, with aluminum foil and tape the foil in place.
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3
Put the cardboard piece in a level spot outside in the sun. Place the bucket in the center of the cardboard. Fill the bucket with water.
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4
Cover the top of the 5-gallon bucket with a clear plastic. Heavier plastics like laminating plastic or weatherizing plastic are best, but if you do not have that, then plain plastic wrap will do. Secure the plastic around the top of the bucket with a large rubber band.
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5
Unfold the windshield reflective cover and turn it shiny side out. Clip both sides of the reflective cover to the top of the bucket lip about halfway back, folding back parts of the reflective cover as necessary. The water should be hot in three to four hours.
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Tips & Warnings
If it becomes windy out, you can prop the sides of the windshield reflective cover open with part of a straightened wire hanger. To keep the sun exposure at its maximum, turn the bucket and windshield reflective cover to face the sun every hour until the water reaches the desired temperature.
Do not stare into the center point of the bucket with the reflective windshield cover attached for long periods of time. If you must make adjustments to the plastic covering or the bucket itself, always do so with sunglasses to avoid potential damage to your vision.
