Solar Pop Can Heater

Intro: Solar Pop Can Heater

Instructable on a pop can heater.

STEP 1:

This instructable is about a solar pop can heater I made a few years ago. I take no credit for the design as I found a bunch of instructables and online videos on how to do it. This one is made out of 144 pop cans, a sliding glass door, a plywood and 2x4 box insulated with 1/2 inch insulation, a 15 watt solar panel, a 12 volt computer fan and a snap switch that clicks on at 100 degrees.

STEP 2:

I cut holes in top and bottom of the cans and glued them together with liquid nail. made a manifold top and bottom for air in and out.

STEP 3:

The fan is mounted in the bottom intake hole, The wiring is simple. solar panel to snap switch and to fan.

STEP 4:

I cut 2 holes in the wall for air flow and mounted it a few feet off the ground. I used dryer duct inside the shop. It was taking 60 degree air in and putting out 127 degree air when I left. It is not big to heat the shop, it just keeps the chill off.

Comments

[livichris]

awesome. how does cope in winter when the sun's low and it's often cloudy?

[frankmci]

For vertically mounted collectors like this one, the low angle of the Sun is actually better in the winter, striking the surface more directly. But clouds are clouds, no matter what time of year.

[milesnorth]

SWEET! How big of a shop were you trying to heat? Was it pretty insulated? and where are you located? Looking for options for heating in Alaska (got woodstove etc....) Always wondered what these would do up here. Food for thought.

[danimal989]

Nice job on the pics and execution of the design! I wonder if you are able to hook this to your clothes dryer air intake if it would lower the cost of running it.

[Vyger]

I just have to wonder if beer cans would be a little more efficient, or maybe just a little more fun to empty.

[gravityisweak]

These things are awesome. I love to see people making them. Good work.

[to'bryant]

Pretty cool, this could be a simple off the grid setup.