DIY solar water heater

Given a full day of sunshine, it generates a tank of hot water

Like many other members of the Institution, I take an interest in sustainable living. Solar hot water seemed like a good idea, but the cost of the installation is high. This led me, in time, to design and build my own solar water heater.

I will be the first to admit that my solar water is not “high tech” like commercial systems, nor is it as efficient. On the other hand, it uses construction methods that most constructively minded people should be able to handle, and was much cheaper. I estimate that I spent about £500 altogether. Given a full day of sunshine, it generates a tank of hot water.

In order to enable others to learn from my experience – and perhaps to improve on it – the solar water heater has its own website: tinyurl.com/c84kk7j.

Robin James

Next letter: Wind power plus methane