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Solar Thermal Air Heater DIY Project

post #1 of 2
11/8/09 at 1:27am
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A design I came across on another site for a solar air heater. Quite simple and while not as efficient as whirnot's this is fairly simple.
 
Water or air heating is much cheaper and more cost effective than solar electric in most cases. The efficiency of solar thermal is normally far greater than PV for one thing. Solar water heaters easily exceed 80% efficiency.
 
 
This unit is simple and seems well thought out. Solar thermal is much cheaper than PV installations and less complicated. The average DIY type should be able to manage this whereas DIY solar PV is very difficult to connect into the electric system.
 
There are many methods to incorporate solar air heat in an existing house. Solar air is easier for the DIY type to take up.

There should not be insurance problems that can be encountered with DIY PV power. 
 
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post #2 of 2
11/9/09 at 6:20am
I agree this is a good design. Being able to incorporate it into the lines of the house is a bonus. It appears to me that the costs seem a little high. I think in most areas you can build that same unit for less. The air requirements are low enough that a Solar powered fan might work well.
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