PV Gap

Priscilla Said:

Why is the surface of a Solar Heater Panel black?

We Answered:

Things are black because they reflect very little or no light. Absorbing all of this light causes an object to become warm, and so solar heaters are best to be made black.

Glenda Said:

Can you make a Solar Panel Heater?

We Answered:

Short answer is yes. Good to start out a large tank, or big rock to mount your collectors on. Something the stock won't eat or push over. I would start with a swimming pool solar collector. It is just a big piece of black plastic aimed at the winter sun. A collector with insulation and covers will give more heat per sq foot and cost more.

Big mirrors and a black painted stock tank might be enough. Insulation of the tank might help a lot. Is the water liquid when pumped up the tank? Do you truck the water in? Is there any electric power wired there or near by? Electric solar collectors can pump and heat water and charge batteries, but it is also possible to circulate water using a thermosyphon set up. You don't have to use photocells.

If it gets cold enough some collectors can freeze solid and damage themselves. There are collectors that contain two loops one water the other antifreeze.