For those dwelling in regions with sweltering summers and freezing winters, the relentless surge in utility bills can be a formidable adversary. From gas to electricity, the costs can skyrocket, leaving households to bear the brunt of financial strain. But one innovative individual decided to embark on a DIY adventure that would ultimately slash his utility bills, and you can join in too!
Meet Terry Johnson, an electrical engineer and a passionate DIY enthusiast who grew weary of shelling out exorbitant sums on monthly utility bills. Terry’s home had a peculiar quirk – it managed to stay pleasantly cool in summer but uncomfortably cold in winter. A dire need for an economical solution was evident.
Enter this remarkable project. Terry stumbled upon a blueprint for crafting a solar heat collector utilizing discarded aluminum soda cans. Following a few weekends of dedicated work, Terry unveiled a substantial solar panel that amplified the temperature in his expansive living room by a remarkable four to seven degrees, all at an annual operating cost of just about $1.50.
So, you might be wondering, how does this ingenious panel function? In essence, it draws in the chilly indoor air, warms it up within the empty aluminum cans, and subsequently channels the heated air back into the house through a network of fans, vents, and valves. The cans were meticulously coated in matte black paint, ensuring they absorbed as much of the sun’s radiant heat as possible, thereby rendering the air within the cans delightfully warm.
Crucially, the effectiveness of this panel hinges on its placement in an exterior region of your home that basks in generous sunlight throughout the day. If you happen to reside in a locale perpetually shrouded in overcast skies or relentless rain, this project might not yield the desired results. However, for sunnier climes, this humble panel could translate into annual savings of several hundred dollars on your utility bills.
If the prospect of fashioning your homemade solar panel tantalizes your DIY spirit, start amassing those empty cans and enlist your friends to do the same. It could be the transformative solution your annual utility bills have been waiting for.
images source : Simple Living Mommy – Stuff
