Build Solar Panels

Having warm water running through the pipes during winter is a priority for most people.  However, not everybody can afford expensive heating systems within the home.  For those people, a DIY solar water heating system is the perfect idea.  If you are looking to get hot water in your pipes, follow the basic tips below for getting your solar water heater set up.

The basic tools you are going to need are a screwdriver, hacksaw, wood saw, drill, nails, screws, paintbrush, file and a tape measure.  You will also need some copper tubing, aluminum sheets, hardwood, marine ply sheets and 4 mm glass.

The first step would be to make the panel tray and frame.  The panel tray is what will hold the absorber plate that captures the sun’s energy.  The frame is basically made from hardwood to whatever size specification; holes are then drilled into the sides to accommodate the copper tubing.

Next, you need to work on the absorber plate.  This plate is what will collect the energy from the sun and transfer it to the copper tubing that will be filled with water, hence heating the water.  The plate is made of aluminum and should be completely clean of any residue or oil on both sites.  It should also be painted black so corrosion is prevented.

Copper tubing is used to carry the water for the home to the collector area.  For best results, the tube should be made out of copper to avoid corrosion problems.  This tubing will be connected to the holes drilled in the panel tray.  It is also to be sprayed black.

Next up, you want to insulate the absorber plate.  This is done by putting in a layer of glass fiber wool.  At that point, you will be ready to put the absorber plate in the tray and frame.

Your last step would be a process called glazing or installing the transparent cover.  The panel should be covered with a transparent sheet that will prevent loss of heat during cooler weather.  Glass is the best material as it is capable of trapping the sun’s energy.

So there you have it — your basic DIY steps for getting your water heated through solar methods.

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