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Learn how to create your own water heater at home. Save with solar energy and promote sustainability with basic materials and simple techniques
In many developing countries, where infrastructure is limited and resources are often scarce, small solar energy collectors can play a crucial role. Those who wish to free from the electrical grid and produce their own hot water can do so with basic materials available at any hardware store.
An example of how to do this is shown by the Indian YouTube channel Desi Ideas & Creativity, which published a similar tutorial some time ago, as shown in the video at the beginning of this article.
The hot water challenge in developing countries
In many developing countries, obtaining hot water is a significant challenge. Traditionally, homes use fuels such as wood or coal to heat water. These methods, in addition to being harmful to the environment, represent a considerable economic burden for families. An effective and environmentally friendly alternative are solar energy collectors, specifically designed to heat water.
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Since industrial solar power collectors are often unavailable or very expensive in these regions, there are several guides for building these mini solar power generators on your own. Online, the YouTube channel Desi Ideas & Creativity shows how, with a few basic components and tools, anyone can make their own solar energy collector in a DIY process. This guide is not only relevant to developing countries, but can also be an interesting project for the next eco-friendly shower in your garden.
An additional glass plate acts as a reinforcement to capture solar energy
The YouTube video begins with cutting two semicircular wooden plates that serve as side walls for a concave tray. The tray itself is made of thin sheet metal, which is bent around the side walls and secured with screws. The central component of the installation is a spirally coiled garden hose located at the focal point of the metal tray. The inside of the wall can be coated with a reflective film to increase the efficiency of the DIY solar energy collector. Water is introduced from a tank external to the solar energy collector, heats up when exposed to the sun along the hose loops and exits through the opposite side of the tray.
The video creator demonstrates the effectiveness of his device using a thermometer. The water, which is initially at 18 degrees in the tank, leaves the solar collector at 45 degrees. Efficiency can be further increased by covering the open side of the metal tray with glass. Thanks to the greenhouse effect, the water temperature can increase by an impressive additional 20 degrees.
The widespread use of these mini solar collectors can not only improve the quality of life, but also promote long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is crucial to minimize environmental impact and strengthen autonomy in regions with weak infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the web page content provided, about creating a solar water heater using simple DIY methods:
What is the main advantage of using a DIY solar collector to heat water?
The main advantage is the ability to produce hot water without relying on traditional energy sources like gas or electricity, which is especially beneficial in developing countries with limited infrastructure.
How does the DIY solar collector work?
The collector uses a concave metal tray lined with a reflective film and a spirally wound garden hose at its focal point. The water flows through the hose, heats up with the sun's rays concentrated by the reflective surface and leaves the collector at a higher temperature.
What materials are needed to build the DIY solar energy collector?
The basic materials required include two semicircular wooden plates, a thin metal sheet, screws, a garden hose, a reflective film and an optional glass plate to cover the solar energy collector, which improves the greenhouse effect and increases the gain of temperature.
How effective is the solar energy collector at heating water?
The effectiveness is quite significant. For example, water that enters the solar energy collector at 18 degrees Celsius may leave at 45 degrees Celsius. Adding a glass cover can further increase the water temperature by a whopping 20 degrees Celsius due to the greenhouse effect.
To increase its effectiveness, copper pipe can be used.
Can this DIY solar collector be used in any country?
Yes, this solar collector is particularly advantageous for regions with abundant sunlight and can be constructed from locally available materials, making it viable for use in almost any country, especially where conventional energy sources are scarce or expensive.
