Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

solarhydrocan

(551 posts) Fri Jan 31, 2014, 09:30 AM Jan 2014

Cold? Build it yourself Solar Heater using empty coke cans and plywood [View all]

Last edited Fri Jan 31, 2014, 12:36 PM - Edit history (1)

Beats $5/gallon propane

Edit to add: I'm not the guy in the videos. I just saw them and wanted to pass along the info. There are multiple videos that show similar approaches, search solar can heater or similar.

43 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Cold? Build it yourself Solar Heater using empty coke cans and plywood [View all] solarhydrocan Jan 2014 OP

Sorry. They have to beer cans. nt longship Jan 2014 #1

K&R! PotatoChip Jan 2014 #2

Well done! berni_mccoy Jan 2014 #3

Way cool! I mean, hot!!! nt valerief Jan 2014 #4

Brilliant! Nt riqster Jan 2014 #5

I live in NE MN - wonder how this would work in our climate? jwirr Jan 2014 #6

not very well hfojvt Jan 2014 #7

You do realize that the (physicist) guy who developed these and markets them TalkingDog Jan 2014 #9

then how come he's not wearing hfojvt Jan 2014 #20

This guy? solarhydrocan Jan 2014 #21

Most years we do not have much sun in the winter but this year it has been out a lot more. jwirr Jan 2014 #15

I just remember cloudy, gloomy, drizzly springs hfojvt Jan 2014 #16

LOL jwirr Jan 2014 #17

It should work well as long as you get sun. TalkingDog Jan 2014 #10

Did it. Will do it again on a smaller scale for outbuildings. TalkingDog Jan 2014 #8

Message auto-removed Name removed Jan 2014 #11

Welcome to DU Dyedinthewoolliberal Jan 2014 #13

Brilliant! JNelson6563 Jan 2014 #12

I built one of these once and powered it with a solar powered fan.... Spitfire of ATJ Jan 2014 #14

I'll check this out later. Thanks! deutsey Jan 2014 #18

here is a better video maindawg Jan 2014 #19

Interesting blackspade Jan 2014 #22

one mod that comes to my mind sweetapogee Jan 2014 #23

That was one of thoughts as well. blackspade Jan 2014 #24

great minds sweetapogee Jan 2014 #25

but you have to get the sun's rays in Aerows Feb 2014 #32

used sliding glass door panels onethatcares Feb 2014 #35

Because that's where the sun comes in to heat the steel cans. marybourg Jan 2014 #27

well sweetapogee Jan 2014 #29

That was my thought Aerows Feb 2014 #33

Should also flip the unit over, intake should be at the top, exhaust at bottom. Sirveri Feb 2014 #34

I don't understand your point sl8 Feb 2014 #38

He has a fan, he doesn't need natural circulation. Also the unit is never truly off. Sirveri Feb 2014 #39

Interesting. Are there efficiencies gained by "pre-heated" intake air? Eleanors38 Feb 2014 #43

Now if we could only get the sun to shine liberal N proud Jan 2014 #26

Thank you for this! WhiteTara Jan 2014 #28

very very cool MindMover Feb 2014 #30

That is so cool - like a solar oven Aerows Feb 2014 #31

Aren't people remarkable? PCIntern Feb 2014 #36

Also this, if you tend to be lazy like me Shankapotomus Feb 2014 #37

One word: windows Coyotl Feb 2014 #40

There are some smart folks out there. NaturalHigh Feb 2014 #41

bookmarked! K&R B Calm Feb 2014 #42