from Amy in Menomonie, WI:
#517
How can we heat an enclosed breezeway (three-season porch) with solar energy?
A simple air collector system might work for this application.
A simple air collector system (including a collector made of a metal frame and tempered glass), some ductwork, a blower, and set of controls might work for this application. Keep in mind that it will only work when the sun is out; it would still need a traditional heating system for evenings and cloudy days if you plan to turn this into 'conditioned space.' Of course, you will also need a place to put the collector-- vertically mounted installation would work best.
Please note that Focus on Energy offers incentives on liquid collectors for solar water heating for domestic hot water (showers, faucets, laundry, etc), but not for solar space heating. That said, many Full Service Installers are well-versed in the installation of solar collectors for space heating.
Published Tuesday, November 10, 2009