How to assemble and make a solar collector with your own hands. We tell you how to make a solar collector for heating with your own hands. Make a solar collector for water with your own hands.

Alternative sources of renewable energy are extremely popular. In some EU countries, autonomous heating supplies cover more than 50% of energy needs. In the Russian Federation, solar collectors have not yet become widespread. One of the main reasons: the high cost of equipment. For a solar panel from a domestic manufacturer you will need to pay at least 16-20 thousand rubles. Products from European brands will cost even more, starting from 40-45 thousand rubles.

Making a solar collector with your own hands will be at least half cheaper. A homemade solar collector will provide enough heat to heat shower water for 3-4 people. To make it you will need construction tools, ingenuity and available materials.

What can a solar system be made from?

First, you need to understand what operating principle a solar water heater uses. The internal structure of the block contains the following components:

frame;
absorber;
a heat exchanger within which the coolant will circulate;
reflectors to focus the sun's rays.

The factory solar water heating collector works as follows:

Heat absorption - the sun's rays pass through the glass located on top of the body or through vacuum tubes. The internal absorbent layer in contact with the heat exchanger is painted with selective paint. When sunlight hits the absorber, a large amount of heat is released, which is collected and used to heat water.
Heat transfer - the absorber is located in close contact with the heat exchanger. The heat accumulated by the absorber and transferred to the heat exchanger heats the liquid moving through the tubes to the coil inside the heat storage tank. Water circulation in the water heater is carried out by forced or natural means.
DHW - two principles of heating hot water are used:
1. Direct heating - hot water after heating is simply discharged into a thermally insulated container. In a monoblock solar system, ordinary household water is used as a coolant.
2. The second option is to provide hot water supply with a passive water heater based on the principle of indirect heating. The coolant (often antifreeze) is sent under pressure to the solar collector heat exchanger. After heating, the heated liquid is supplied to a storage tank, inside of which a coil (playing the role of a heating element) is built, surrounded by water for the hot water supply system.
  The coolant heats up the coil, thereby transferring heat to the water in the container. When the tap is opened, heated water from the heat-storing tank flows to the water collection point. The peculiarity of a solar system with indirect heating is its ability to operate throughout the year.

The operating principle used in expensive factory-made solar systems is copied and repeated in do-it-yourself collectors.

The working designs of solar water heaters have a similar structure. They are only made from scrap materials. There are schemes for the production of collectors from:

polycarbonate;
vacuum tubes;
PET bottles;
beer cans;
refrigerator radiator;
copper tubes;
HDPE and PVC pipes.

Judging by the diagrams, modern “Kulibins” prefer homemade systems with natural circulation, thermosiphon type. The peculiarity of the solution is that the storage tank is located at the top point of the hot water supply system. Water circulates through the system by gravity and is supplied to the consumer.

Polycarbonate manifold

They are made from honeycomb panels with good thermal insulation properties. Sheet thickness from 4 to 30 mm. The choice of polycarbonate thickness depends on the required heat transfer. The thicker the sheet and the cells in it, the more water the installation can heat.

To make a solar system yourself, in particular a homemade solar water heater made of polycarbonate, you will need the following materials:

two threaded rods;
propylene corners, the fittings must have an external threaded connection;
PVC plastic pipes: 2 pcs, length 1.5 m, diameter 32;
2 plugs.

The pipes are laid parallel to the housing. Connect to the hot water supply via shut-off valves. A thin cut is made along the pipe into which a sheet of polycarbonate can be inserted. Thanks to the thermosiphon principle, water will independently flow into the grooves (cells) of the sheet, heat up and go into the storage tank located at the top of the entire heating system. To seal and fix the sheets inserted into the pipe, thermally resistant silicone is used.

To increase the thermal efficiency of a cellular polycarbonate collector, the sheet is coated with any selective paint. Heating of water after applying selective coating accelerates approximately twice.

Vacuum tube manifold

In this case, it will not be possible to get by solely with improvised means. To make a solar collector you will have to buy vacuum tubes. They are sold by companies involved in the maintenance of solar systems and directly by manufacturers of solar water heaters.

For independent production, it is better to choose flasks with feather rods and a heat-pipe thermal channel. The tubes are easier to install and change if necessary.

You also need to purchase a concentrator block for a vacuum solar collector. When choosing, pay attention to the performance of the node (determined by the number of handsets that can be simultaneously connected to the device). The frame is made independently by assembling a wooden frame. Savings when manufacturing at home, taking into account the purchase of ready-made vacuum tubes, will be at least 50%.

Solar system made from plastic bottles

To prepare you will need about 30 pcs. PET bottles. When assembling, it is more convenient to use containers of the same size, 1 or 1.5 liters. At the preparatory stage, the labels are removed from the bottles and the surface is thoroughly washed. In addition to plastic containers, you will need the following:

12 m of hose for watering plants, diameter 20 mm;
8 T-adapters;
2 knees;
roll of Teflon film;
2 ball valves.

When making solar collectors from plastic bottles, a hole is made at the bottom of the base equal to the diameter of the neck, into which a rubber hose or PVC pipe is inserted. The collector is assembled in 5 rows of 6 bottles on each line.

On a clear day, within 15 minutes. the water will heat up to a temperature of 45°C. Considering the high performance, it makes sense to connect a solar water heater made from plastic bottles to a storage tank of 200 liters. The latter is well insulated to prevent heat loss.

Aluminum beer can collector

Aluminum has good thermal characteristics. It is not surprising that metal is used to make heating radiators.

Aluminum cans can be used in the manufacture of homemade solar systems. Cans made of tin or any other metal are not suitable for production.

For one solar panel the following components will be needed:

jars, about 15 pcs. per line, the body accommodates 10-15 rows;
heat exchanger - a collector made of a rubber hose or plastic pipes is used;
glue for gluing cans together;
selective paint.

The surface of the cans is painted dark. The box is covered with thick glass or polycarbonate.

A solar collector made of aluminum cans is often made for air heating. When using water coolant, the thermal efficiency of the device decreases.

Solar system from the refrigerator

Another popular solution that requires minimal time and money. The solar collector is made from the radiator of an old refrigerator. The coil is already painted black. It is enough just to place the grille in a wooden case with insulation and connect it to the hot water supply using soldering.

There is an option for making an air conditioner from a condenser. To do this, several radiators are connected into a single network. If it is possible to purchase cheaply about 8 pcs. capacitors, manufacturing a collector is quite possible.

Copper tube collector

Copper has good thermal properties. In the manufacture of a copper solar collector, the following is used:

pipes with a diameter of 1 1/4", used in the installation of heating and hot water supply systems;
1/4" pipes used in air conditioning systems;
gas-burner;
solder and flux.

The radiator grille body is assembled from copper pipes with a large diameter. Holes equal to 1/4" are drilled into the surface. Pipes of the appropriate diameter are inserted into the resulting grooves. The radiator is covered with glass or polycarbonate. The copper is painted with selective paint.

Solar boiler made of HDPE pipes and PVC hoses

In the production of solar systems, almost any available material is used. There are solutions that allow you to make a collector from corrugated hose, a rubber hose used for watering plants.

Solar systems are not made from metal-plastic pipes due to rubber fitting seals that cannot withstand strong heat. With intense solar radiation, heating in the collector reaches 300°C. If overheated, the gaskets will definitely leak.

It is possible to manufacture a solar collector from corrugated stainless pipe. The popularity of the solution is due to the speed and ease of installation. Corrugated stainless steel pipe is laid in rings or snakes. The disadvantage is the relative high cost of stainless corrugated pipes.

Despite the existing options described above, solar collectors made of propylene and HDPE pipes remain the most popular. Each option has its own advantages:

Solar collector made of HDPE pipes- for manufacturing, choose a material that is resistant to heat. A large number of fittings are sold to facilitate the assembly of a heat storage radiator. Pipes made of low-density polyethylene are initially black or dark blue in color, so they do not require painting.
Solar collector made of PVC pipes- the popularity of the solution lies in the ease of installation of the structure, carried out using soldering. The presence of a large number of angles, tees, American females and other fittings facilitates the assembly process. Using soldering, you can create a collector heat exchanger of any configuration.

Making a solar hot water collector from PEX pipe:

All the pipes described are used with varying efficiency as a core in the manufacture of a homemade solar collector from plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

How to make selective coating

A highly efficient collector has a high degree of solar energy absorption. The rays hit a dark surface and then heat it up. The less radiation is repelled from the solar collector absorber, the more heat remains in the solar system.

To ensure sufficient heat accumulation, it is necessary to create a selective coating. There are several production options:

Homemade selective collector coating- use any black paints that leave a matte surface after drying. There are solutions when an opaque dark oilcloth is used as a collector absorber. Black enamel is applied to the heat exchanger pipes, the surface of cans and bottles, with a matte effect.
Special absorbent coatings- you can go the other way by purchasing a special selective paint for the collector. Selective paints and varnishes contain polymer plasticizers and additives that provide good adhesion, heat resistance and a high degree of absorption of sunlight.

Solar systems used exclusively for heating water in summer can easily get by by painting the absorber black using regular paint. Homemade solar collectors for heating a house in winter must have a high-quality selective coating. You can't skimp on paint.

Homemade or factory solar system - which is better?

It is unrealistic to make a solar collector at home that can be compared with factory products in terms of technical characteristics and performance. On the other hand, if you simply need to provide enough water for a summer shower, solar energy will be enough to operate a simple homemade water heater.

As for liquid collectors operating in winter, not even all factory solar systems can operate at low temperatures. All-season systems are most often devices with vacuum heat pipes, with increased efficiency, capable of operating at temperatures down to –50°C.

Factory solar collectors are often equipped with a rotating mechanism that automatically adjusts the angle of inclination and direction of the panel to the cardinal points, depending on the location of the Sun.

An effective solar water heater is one that fully meets its intended purpose. To heat water for 2-3 people in the summer, you can get by with an ordinary solar collector, made with your own hands from improvised materials. For heating in winter, despite the initial costs, it is better to install a factory solar system.

Video course on making a panel solar water heater

A solar collector is used to absorb the energy of solar radiation so that it can later be concentrated, converted and used by humans.

The generated energy is used for:

Providing water heating and starting residential heating systems.
Providing constantly warm water in swimming pools of various types.
Heating of greenhouses.
For heating process water used in industry.

Operating principle and scope

Operating principle

The design and materials used to create it are designed to maximize solar energy consumption. After which it is converted into heat and transferred for further use. This system can contain both air and a special liquid with non-freezing properties.

Its circulation can be natural or forced.

Collectors are used in various countries with any climate.

Their scope is quite large:

For dachas, cottages and private houses.
Various production complexes, regardless of type of activity and scale.
At car washes, gas stations.
In children's and medical institutions.
At railway transport facilities.
In hotel, shopping and entertainment complexes.
In catering establishments and offices.

Advantages and disadvantages

Collectors have a wide range of advantages, these include:

Reducing the cost of maintaining your home heating system, and providing it with hot water supply.
Possibility of heating the house and hot water in case of interruptions and temporary absence of electricity and gas supply.
Reducing the load on the heating system, resulting in an increase in its service life.
Saving natural resources and environmental conservation.
Environmental friendliness of the system does not have a negative effect on humans.

The downside is the rather high cost and difficult installation of this equipment.

Kinds

There are two types of these devices. Each of them has certain characteristics and operating principles.

Flat-plate collector

Such collectors are manufactured in the form of panels, up to 2.5 meters in size, in the center of which an absorbing plate is placed. It is made from heat-conducting metals; copper or aluminum are the most used for this. It is coated with a coating characterized by a low emissivity.

This is required for the greatest conversion of solar rays in the form of thermal energy, while its release into the environment should be minimal. This absorbent layer is connected to the tubes. It is through them that propylene glycol most often circulates, which acts as a coolant.

Also, or water. There is a heat-insulating layer under the tubes. There is a special protective solar glass above the absorber. It is characterized by a minimum iron content for maximum throughput, and the body is reinforced with sheet steel with thermal insulation or aluminum.

This type is used for installation on pitched or flat roofs. But it can be mounted in any place and position. This type is the most common and is widely used for heating systems and for heating water.

Tubular (vacuum)

It consists of separate tubes. Their number can be from 5 to 30 pieces. Each of the tubes is a mini-collector based on its operating principle. All of them are combined into one panel.

Inside the tube there is another similar part of a smaller size. A vacuum has been created between them. The upper part consists of solar glass and serves as a protection. An absorber plate made of copper or aluminum is built into it. The smaller tube is located under the plate, in which the coolant circulates. The vacuum in this case plays the role of a heat insulator.

Such a solar collector operates much more efficiently than a flat one in conditions of low atmospheric temperatures. But their cost is much higher.

The tubular collector, in turn, comes in two types, differing in design. There are types with a heat pipe and direct flow. The advantage of the first type is the preservation of effective performance at temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius, and in some cases even up to -40.

Distinctive features of the direct-flow collector are the ability to install it in any position, as well as minimal heat loss during operation.

How to do it yourself?

Collector device

This energy saving device can be made with your own hands. There are many options for execution in this case. For example, it can be made from a window frame, an old electric boiler, a refrigerator, and even plastic bottles.

Let's look at one of the simplest manifolds, made using parts from an old refrigerator. Such a collector will heat water for technical needs.

Required materials and tools

Materials:

Condenser removed from an old refrigerator.
Wooden beams, 5/5 cm.
Rubber mat.
Glass (suitable from a window frame).
A sheet of foil.
Screws, nails.
Scotch.

Tools:

Hammer.
Screwdriver.

Before carrying out work, the refrigerator coil must be washed using detergent and running water. This is necessary to cleanse it of freon oil.

To increase the efficiency of a homemade collector, you can use a car radiator, replacing the capacitor with it.

Tests have shown that this unit is capable of heating about 20 liters of water by 20 degrees in two hours of operation. The ambient temperature during the experiment was +25 degrees Celsius.

Of course, such a device has low efficiency and the likelihood of failure due to airing of the heat exchanger, but nevertheless, it brings certain benefits.

Since solar collectors have an efficiency that depends on the reflectivity and absorption properties of the material, special coatings have been invented to increase these characteristics.

Each of them is suitable for a specific material on which they will be applied. There are coatings for copper, aluminum, etc. They are applied in a rather complicated way, so they are not widely available.

When choosing a collector, you need to consider that its vacuum models are more fragile compared to flat ones, but if damaged, it is much easier to repair the first option. To do this, you just need to replace the failed tubes, when, as a matter of fact, you will have to replace the entire absorbent system;
Power, generated using one collector, is enough to heat several living rooms and heat water.
The service life of the collector is up to 30 years. But when purchasing this device, you need to take into account that the vacuum type is less durable compared to others.
You can install this equipment yourself using the instructions that came with the device. This process is quite labor-intensive and not easy, but it allows you to save on the costs necessary to attract specialists.

Solar collectors are a good way to save energy resources. Solar energy is free, so at least 6-7 months a year you can get warm water for household needs. And in the remaining months, it also helps the heating system.

You can make a solar collector yourself. To do this, you will need materials and tools that can be purchased at most hardware stores. Or whatever you find in your garage.

The technology below was used in the “Turn on the sun - live comfortably” project. It was developed specifically for the project by the German company Solar Partner Sued, which professionally sells, installs and services solar collectors and photovoltaic panels.

The main idea is cheap and cheerful. To make the collector, fairly simple and common materials are used, which can be bought at the nearest store, or even found in your garage. At the same time, the collector efficiency remains at a decent level. It is lower than in factory models, but the difference in price completely compensates for this disadvantage.

There are different types of solar water heaters, but they all rely on a simple principle: a black surface absorbs the sun's heat, which is then transferred to the water. The simplest models can be built from available materials and do not require pumps or other electrical equipment. An efficient solar collector can be used even in winter thanks to the use of non-freezing liquids - antifreeze.

The described solar collector system is passive and does not depend on electricity. It does without pumps. Hot liquid moves between the collector and the tank according to the principle of convection, thanks to a simple rule - heated liquid always rises upward.

The operating principle of such a solar collector is as follows:

The sun heats the fluid in the collector
The heated liquid rises through the manifold and pipe into the storage tank
When hot liquid enters a heat exchanger installed in a water tank, heat is transferred from the heat exchanger to the water in the tank
The liquid in the heat exchanger, cooling, moves downward in a spiral and flows from the hole in the bottom of the tank back into the collector
Water heated in the tank is accumulated in the upper part of the tank
Cold water from the mains/tank flows into the bottom of the tank
The heated water is drawn out through an outlet at the top of the tank.

While the sun shines on the collector, the liquid in the absorber pipes heats up, moves into the tank and thus constantly circulates. This process heats the water in the tank in just a few hours under intense solar radiation.

The main element of the collector is the absorber. It consists of a metal sheet that is welded to metal pipes. Several pipes are installed vertically and welded to two large diameter pipes located horizontally. These thick pipes for fluid inlet and outlet must be parallel to each other. And the liquid inlet (lower part of the absorber) and the outlet (upper part of the absorber) should be located on different sides of the panel (diagonally). To connect thicker pipes, it is necessary to drill holes to match the diameter of the vertical pipes.

For better heat transfer from the metal plate to the pipes, it is very important to ensure maximum contact between the plate and the pipes. Welding should be along the entire element. It is important that the metal sheet and pipes fit snugly against each other.

The absorber is placed in a wooden frame and covered with glass, which protects the collector and creates a greenhouse effect inside.

Regular window glass is used. The optimal thickness is 4 mm, while maintaining a good ratio of reliability and weight. It is advisable to divide the required glass area into several parts. This makes it more convenient and safer to work with it.

Using several layers of glass or double glazing will increase efficiency, but will increase the weight of the structure and the cost of the system.

The sun's rays pass through the glass and heat the collector, and the glazing prevents heat loss. Glass also prevents air movement in the absorber; without it, the collector would quickly lose heat due to wind, rain, snow or low outside temperatures in general.

The frame should be treated with an antiseptic and paint for exterior use.

Through holes are made in the housing to supply cold liquid and remove heated liquid from the manifold.

The absorber itself is painted with a heat-resistant coating. Regular black paints begin to flake off or evaporate at high temperatures, which leads to darkening of the glass. The paint must be completely dry before you attach the glass cover (to prevent condensation).

Insulation is placed under the absorber. The most commonly used is mineral wool. The main thing is that it can withstand fairly high temperatures during the summer (sometimes over 200 degrees).

The bottom of the frame is covered with OSB boards, plywood, boards, etc. The main requirement for this stage is to make sure that the bottom of the collector is reliably protected from moisture getting inside.

To secure the glass in the frame, grooves are made, or strips are attached along the inside of the frame. When calculating the size of the frame, it should be taken into account that when the weather (temperature, humidity) changes during the year, its configuration will change slightly. Therefore, a few millimeters of margin are left on each side of the frame.

A rubber window seal (D- or E-shaped) is attached to the groove or strip. Glass is placed on it, onto which a sealant is applied in the same way. This is all secured on top with galvanized sheet metal. Thus, the glass is securely fixed in the frame, the seal protects the absorber from cold and moisture, and the glass will not be damaged when the wooden frame “breathes.”

The joints between sheets of glass are insulated with sealant or silicone.

Storage tank. The water heated by the collector is stored here, so it is worth taking care of its thermal insulation.

The following can be used as a tank:

non-functioning electric boilers
oxygen cylinders
barrels for food use

The main thing is to remember that a sealed tank will develop pressure depending on the pressure of the plumbing system to which it will be connected. Not every container can withstand pressure of several atmospheres.

Holes are made in the tank for the entry and exit of the heat exchanger, the entry of cold water, and the intake of heated water.

The tank houses a spiral heat exchanger. Copper, stainless steel, or plastic are used for it. Water heated through the heat exchanger will rise upward, so it should be placed at the bottom of the tank.

The collector is connected to the tank using pipes (for example, metal-plastic or plastic), carried from the collector to the tank through a heat exchanger and back to the collector. It is very important here to prevent heat leakage: the path from the tank to the consumer should be as short as possible, and the pipes should be very well insulated.

The expansion tank is a very important element of the system. It is an open reservoir located at the highest point of the liquid circulation circuit. For the expansion tank, you can use both metal and plastic dishes. With its help, the pressure in the manifold is controlled (due to the fact that the liquid expands from heating, pipes may crack). To reduce heat loss, the tank must also be insulated. If there is air in the system, it can also escape through the tank. The reservoir is also filled with liquid through the expansion tank.

More structural features, necessary materials and rules for installing a solar collector can be found by downloading a practical guide on the project website. published

Almost every owner of a private home has to face problems with heating residential premises and obtaining hot water. Today, there are many different systems that allow you to successfully solve these problems. Alternative heating sources deserve special attention, in particular a collector that uses solar energy as fuel. This unit is extremely easy to assemble and profitable to use.

DIY solar collector

Basic information about homemade solar collectors

The average efficiency of homemade solar collectors reaches 50-60%, which is a very good indicator.

Professional units have an efficiency of about 80-85%, but you need to take into account the fact that they are quite expensive, and almost everyone can afford to purchase materials for assembling a homemade collector.

The power of an ordinary solar collector will be enough to heat water and heat living rooms.

In this regard, everything depends on the design features, which are determined and calculated individually.

Assembly of the unit does not require difficult-to-handle, hard-to-reach tools or expensive materials.

Tools for DIY solar collector assembly

Hammer.
Electric drill.
Hammer.
Hacksaw.

There are several varieties of the design in question. They differ from each other in efficiency and final cost. Under any circumstances, a homemade unit will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than a factory model with similar characteristics.

One of the most optimal options is a vacuum solar collector. This is the most budget-friendly and easiest-to-use option.

Solar collector design

The units in question have a fairly simple design. In general, the system includes a pair of collectors, a front chamber and a storage tank. The operation of the solar collector is carried out according to a simple principle: as the sun's rays pass through the glass, they are converted into heat. The system is organized in such a way that these rays are not able to leave the confined space.

The installation operates on the thermosiphon principle. During the heating process, the warm liquid rushes upward, displacing cold water from there and directing it to the heat source. This allows you to even avoid using a pump, because... the liquid will circulate on its own. The installation accumulates solar energy and stores it within the system for a long time.

Components for assembling the installation in question are sold in specialized stores. At its core, such a collector is a tubular radiator installed in a special wood box, one of the edges of which is made of glass.

To manufacture the mentioned radiator, pipes are used. The optimal material for making pipes is steel. The inlet and outlet are made from pipes traditionally used in the installation of water supply systems. Typically ¾ inch pipes are used, 1 inch products also work well.

The grate is made from smaller pipes with thinner walls. The recommended diameter is 16 mm, the optimal wall thickness is 1.5 mm. Each radiator grille must include 5 pipes, each 160 cm long.

Important nuances of assembling a collector with your own hands

The first stage is assembling the box. To assemble the previously mentioned box, wooden boards about 12 cm wide and 3-3.5 cm thick are used. The bottom is made of hardboard or plywood sheet. The bottom must be reinforced with slats measuring 5x3 cm. Select the length of the slats according to the size of the bottom.

The second stage is insulation of the box. The box needs high-quality insulation. The best and most convenient option to use is foam boards. Mineral wool also works well. The insulation is placed on the bottom of the box.

The third stage is the arrangement of the radiator box. The laid insulation must be covered with a layer of galvanized sheet metal. Clamps are used to connect the radiator and the laid sheet of metal. Pre-paint the radiator pipe and metal decking with matte black paint.

The outside of the box is painted white, and the glass is sealed using compounds specially designed for such tasks. This will minimize heat loss. The pipes are connected in the standard manner using tees, couplings, and angles. The pipes used in assembling the manifold are connected manually without much effort.

The fourth stage is the preparation of the storage tank. A tank is responsible for the accumulation of heat in the system under consideration, the capacity of which can be in the range of 200-400 liters. Select the specific volume based on your personal water needs. The tank can be made from a barrel. If you can't find a suitable barrel, use pipes.

The tank needs insulation. It is best to install it in a box made of plywood sheets or wooden boards, and fill the space between the walls of the box and the container with sawdust, foam plastic or other heat-insulating material.

The fifth stage is the preparation of the fore-chamber. The system in question includes a unit called an advance chamber. The main function of this device is to pump up the constant excess pressure required for the full operation of the system based on the solar collector. The anterior chamber is made from a suitable container of 35-45 liters. A can is perfect. Additionally, the unit is equipped with a feeding device to automate the operation.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the unit

Coolant circulation diagram

The first stage is the installation of the drive and front camera. The mentioned units are located in the attic of the house. Make sure the ceiling at the installation location can support the weight of the water containers. Install the front camera next to the drive. Do this so that the liquid level in the fore-chamber is approximately 100 cm higher than the water level in the storage tank.

The second stage is choosing a place to install the solar heater. The unit is fixed on the southern wall of the building. It is important to maintain the correct slope of the heater to the horizon. The optimal value is 45 degrees. The collector must be attached to the house so that the solar panels look like an extension of the roof.

The third stage is the connection of individual elements. To complete this task, you need to buy inch and half-inch steel pipes. You will use half-inch ones to connect high-pressure elements of the system - from the water inlet to the anterior chamber. Inch pipes are used in the low-pressure part.

It is important that the connections are airtight; air pockets are unacceptable in this case.

The pipes must first be painted white or another light color. A layer of heat-insulating material is fixed on top of the paint. In this case, foam rubber is optimal. A layer of polyethylene is wound over the insulation, and then a woven tape. Finally, the pipes are painted white again.

The fourth stage is filling the system with liquid. Water must be supplied through special drainage valves installed at the bottom of the radiators. This will avoid the formation of air locks. When water begins to flow from the drainage, the operation can be considered complete.

The fifth stage is connecting the front camera. This unit must be connected to a water supply inlet. After connection, open the flow valve. You will see that the amount of water in the forechamber will begin to decrease.

The advantage of such a solar collector, assembled with your own hands, is that it can heat water even in cloudy weather.

At night, the air temperature becomes lower than the temperature of the heated water. Under such conditions, the collector will begin to heat the environment and generally operate in the reverse mode. To avoid this, the system is equipped with a valve that prevents the possibility of reverse circulation. It will be enough to simply turn off this valve in the evening, and the energy will be stored in the system.

If the thermal conductivity of the collector is not high enough, it can be increased by adding sections. The design will allow you to do this without any difficulty.

You can, of course, artificially adjust the direction of solar panels in relation to the Sun by placing additional structures under the collector

Thus, there is nothing difficult in assembling a solar heater yourself. Such work also does not require large financial investments, but it is strongly recommended to buy only high-quality materials from well-known manufacturers. Approach your work with maximum responsibility, do not violate the recommendations given, and you will receive an excellent source of heat and hot water, powered by free energy. Good luck!

DIY solar collector - installation instructions!

Learn how to make a solar collector with your own hands. Step-by-step instructions describing the main technological stages. Photo + video.

Making solar collectors with your own hands

Solar collectors (water heaters) They are widely used for heating water and heating houses using solar energy, not only in the summer, but throughout the year. In this section you will learn how to make a solar collector (water heater) with your own hands from scrap materials and at minimal cost.

How to make a high-efficiency solar collector from a metal-plastic pipe

The efficiency of a homemade solar collector can be significantly increased, making minor modifications to the design, namely installing on pipes absorbers. Thus, even using a metal-plastic pipe as a heat exchanger, you can build a solar collector that can boil water in sunny weather.

Which glass to choose when making a solar collector with your own hands

The efficiency of a solar collector directly depends on the glazing used.

Glazing must have the following properties:

– Be light in weight

– UV resistance

– Resist elevated temperatures

Choosing insulation in the manufacture of a solar collector

There are many different brands and types of insulation. They differ in their thermal insulation properties, physical characteristics, cost, and ease of use. You will be presented with a list of insulation materials that are most common on the market and which of this list can be used.

Selection of pipes for the manufacture of a solar collector heat exchanger

Today, manufacturers provide the market with a wide range of pipes from different materials. All these pipes have their own advantages and disadvantages according to their indicators. Here we will consider pipes that are most optimally suited for the manufacture of collectors and water supply distribution.

Making your own solar water heater

During production DIY solar water heater The goal was to provide warm water for a summer shower, in which, with frequent use, the water simply did not have time to heat up even with strong solar activity.

Calculation of solar collector area

When building a hot water supply system using solar collectors, many people ask the question: " How much collector area should be used?"In order not to frighten you with complex formulas and calculations, I will offer a diagram by which you can easily calculate the approximate area of the collector for your needs.

How to make a solar concentrator from flat mirrors

The advantage of solar concentrators is that they can convert water into steam (depending on the speed of the water in the heat exchanger). Why is this necessary? But this is necessary, for example, for steaming concrete and wood products, starting a steam engine, etc.

Manufacturing a solar collector with a copper heat exchanger

If your roof is covered with black roofing felt or dark-colored asphalt shingles, you may be able to save money on the thermal insulation of the rear wall and make a solar collector (water heater) with your own hands. Of course, the area where the solar collector will be installed must face the direction of the sun.

DIY solar concentrator for heating water

Basics dignity solar concentrator (reflector) is that they can achieve higher efficiencies. By focusing a high density of solar energy at one point, they are capable of turn water into steam in a matter of seconds.

How to make a 2kW solar collector for a swimming pool

After building a budget pool, the idea came to build a solar collector that would be able to heat 10 cubic meters of water to a comfortable temperature for swimming. For this purpose, a collector with an area of 4 sq.m. was built. and an approximate power of 2 kW.

Making a solar collector from an old window frame

Many of us have long replaced old wooden windows with metal-plastic ones. And such a replacement is largely related not to the exterior, but to the preservation of heat in our apartments. We simply threw the old window frames and glass into the trash bin as unnecessary. Although, on the other hand, the window frame (which opens with a book) can still serve us well as a solar collector (water heater).

Basic connection diagrams for solar collectors

The efficiency of a solar collector depends not only on the materials from which it is made, but also on how correctly it is installed and mounted. The connection diagram largely depends on the requirements for the solar collector. Since there are a great many connection variations, I will give only the main, basic diagrams.

How to make a solar collector from plastic bottles

During the summer heat, mineral water, drinks, juices, etc. are in greatest demand among the population. However, without noticing it, we are increasing the amount of waste on the planet by throwing used plastic bottles and tetra packs into the trash. On the other hand, this “garbage” can be used for your own benefit, i.e. make a solar collector from plastic bottles. Thus, we will get free hot water, spending a minimum of money on it, and make our planet a little cleaner.

DIY solar collector from an old refrigerator

To obtain hot water using solar energy, you can assemble with your own hands simple solar collector from materials that can easily be found at your home. yard At the same time, manufacturing costs will be very minimal. As heat exchanger(the basics of a solar collector), we will use a capacitor from an old refrigerator (a grill that is attached to the back of the refrigerator).

Solar water heater from an old electric boiler

Many faulty electric boilers are simply thrown into a landfill, although on the other hand, the boiler can be given a second life, and make your own solar water heater from it using free solar energy to heat water.

How to make a flat-plate solar collector from polypropylene

How to make a large solar collector from PEX pipe

Often, the construction of one large collector is cheaper in price than the construction of smaller, but larger numbers. It's about construction of a solar collector from a plastic pipe, only more impressive in size.

How to make a solar collector from hoses

Many people have noticed that if you leave a hose with water in the sun, then after turning on the water, very hot water flows from the hose (especially if the hose is dark in color). So why don't we make a solar collector using a hose or polyethylene pipe simply rolled into a ring.

Making solar collectors with your own hands

Solar collectors (water heaters) are widely used for heating water and heating houses using solar energy, not only in the summer, but throughout the year. You will learn how to make a solar collector (water heater) with your own hands from scrap materials and at minimal cost.

We tell you how to make a solar collector for heating with your own hands

All kinds of solar collectors are developed using the latest technologies and modern materials. Thanks to such devices, it happens solar energy conversion. The resulting energy can heat water, heat rooms, greenhouses and greenhouses.

Devices can be mounted on walls, roofs of a private house, greenhouse. For large rooms, it is recommended to purchase factory-made devices. Now solar systems are constantly being improved. Therefore, solar panels increase in price, attracting the attention of consumers. The cost of factory-made devices is almost equal to the financial costs spent on their manufacture. The price increase occurs only due to the financial markup of resellers. The cost of the collector is commensurate with the cash costs that will be required to install a classic heating system.

Today, the production of such devices is gaining increasing popularity. It's worth noting that uh The effectiveness of a homemade device is much inferior in quality to factory devices. But a do-it-yourself unit can heat a small room, private house or outbuildings easily and quickly.

Principle of operation

But the principle of water heating is identical - all devices operate according to the same designed scheme. In good weather, the sun's rays begin to heat the coolant. It passes through thin elegant tubes, falling into a tank of liquid. The coolant and tubes are placed along the entire inner surface of the tank. Thanks to this principle, the liquid in the apparatus is heated. Later, the heated water is allowed to be used for domestic needs. Thus, you can heat the room and use the heated liquid for shower cabins as hot water supply.

The water temperature can be controlled by developed sensors. If the liquid cools too much, below a predetermined level, a special backup heating will automatically turn on. The solar collector can be connected to an electric or gas boiler.

An operating diagram suitable for all solar water heaters is presented. This device is perfect for heating a small private house. To date, several devices have been developed: flat, vacuum and air devices. The operating principle of such devices is very similar. The coolant is heated from the sun's rays with further energy release. But there are a lot of differences in work.

Flat-plate collector

Heating of the coolant in such a device occurs thanks to a plate absorber. It is a flat plate of heat-intensive metal. The upper surface of the plate is painted in a dark shade with a specially developed paint. A serpentine tube is welded to the bottom of the device.

The dark selective paint covering the top surface of the plate absorbs the powerful rays of the sun. Sun reflection is reduced to a minimum. The absorbed energy warms up the coolant under the absorber. To minimize heat loss, you can use thermal insulation of the housing using tempered glass. This material contains a minimal amount of iron oxides. The glass is mounted above the absorber. The device serves as the top cover of the housing. Tempered glass also creates a “greenhouse effect” in the form of an insulating greenhouse. This significantly increases the heating of the absorber, increasing the temperature of the coolant. This device is perfect for heating a private home. Also the unit installed in greenhouses, shower cabins, garden greenhouses and greenhouses.

Vacuum manifold

Compared to the flat device, the vacuum manifold has a different design. The main working elements are considered to be evacuated tubes, as well as coolant. Thanks to the highly selective coating, the glass surface of the device absorbs a large amount of sun. Solar energy begins to quickly heat the internal coolant. Heat loss is eliminated using a vacuum layer. The accumulated heat passes through the heat collector, moving towards the device system itself.

If we consider the work as a whole, then the vacuum manifold has the highest productivity compared to a flat device. The unit can be installed on the roof of a private house, in greenhouses, greenhouses, hotbeds, and summer showers.

Air manifold

Air manifold is one of the most successful developments. But air-type solar panels are very rare. Such devices are not suitable for home heating or hot water supply. They are used for air conditioning. The coolant is oxygen, which is heated by solar energy. Solar panels of this type are identified by a ribbed steel panel painted in a dark shade. The operating principle of this device is a natural or automatic supply of oxygen to private homes. Oxygen is heated under the panel using solar radiation, thereby creating air conditioning.

Pros of solar systems

Reduce energy consumption by at least 2-3 times;
Due to the severe depletion of natural resources, DIY units can become indispensable heating sources;
It is allowed to add additional substances to the air apparatus to impart specific aromatic properties. Antifreeze is added to the water of the flat and vacuum manifold. They help prevent liquids from freezing at low atmospheric temperatures;

Disadvantages of solar systems

Recent introduction of devices into operation;
Impossibility of installing units in some regions due to time zone, length of daylight hours, location of the area, weather conditions;
In most cases, a DIY device is recommended to be used only as an additional source of energy. It is not practical to use solar panels for complete heat generation;

Solar installation connection diagram:

What will you need?

In order to make an air, flat or vacuum unit with your own hands, will be needed:

Temperature sensors located in the device and storage device;
Adapters for connecting the system to cold water supply;
Drain for hot water supply;
Special temperature sensors for heating liquid;
Expansion tank;
Circulation pump;
Solar regulator;

Construction drawing:

Assembly instructions

First of all it is necessary to determine the dimensions of the future device. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully calculate the area on which the device will be located. An important factor in the calculation is determining the intensity of solar radiation. In the coldest regions, the solar energy is weakened, in the southern regions of the country it is increased. The location of the house, greenhouse or other sources in which the unit will be located also affects the calculations. Another important fact is the material of the heating circuit. The lower the material index, the lower the temperature of the air or water flow.

Build process

Main stages of work:

Box production;
Production of a special heat exchanger, as well as a radiator;
Production of drive and front camera;
Aggregation;

Commissioning;

Box production

For the box you will need an edged board 30x120 mm ±5 mm. The bottom of the box is made of textolite, equipped with special ribs. Thanks to the foam, good thermal insulation is created. The bottom is covered with galvanized sheet.

Heat exchanger production

You will need metal tubes. The length of the pipes must be at least 1.6 m. Quantity: 15 pieces. It is also necessary to use two inch pipes 0.7 m long.
In thicker tubes, small holes should be drilled with identical diameters to the smaller tubes. Holes will be needed to install pipes. The drilled holes must be coaxial, located on the same axis. Their maximum step should be no more than 4.5 cm.
All tubes necessary for operation must be assembled into a whole structure. For reliability, they are welded using a welding machine.
A heat exchanger is mounted on the galvanized sheet covering the bottom of the box. For reliability, it can be secured with metal clamps or steel clamps.
For better absorption of rays, the bottom of the structure is painted a dark shade. The external components of the structure are painted in a light shade. A white shade is perfect. It helps reduce heat loss.
A cover glass is placed near the partitions. The joints are carefully sealed.
The average distance between structural elements is 11 mm.

Storage drive production

It is allowed to use both a one-piece barrel and various welded structures. The storage tank should be insulated from heat loss. The anterior chamber must be equipped with a swivel valve - a mechanism that supplies liquid. The volume of the anterior chamber should be 36-40 liters.

Aggregation

First of all, the drive and front camera are installed. The height of the water in the front chamber should be 0.8 m higher than in the storage tank. It is necessary to consider a liquid shut-off device.
The collector intended for heating is fixed to the frame of the building. A device designed to heat water can be placed on the roof of a greenhouse, conservatory or home. To place the device, choose the south side. The installation should have an inclination to the horizon of 35-40°.
The distance between the heat exchanger and the storage tank should be no more than 50-70 cm. Otherwise, the loss of solar energy will be greatly noticeable.
The collector should be located below the drive, and the drive below the anterior chamber.

Commissioning

For final assembly, you will need special shut-off valves in the form of various adapters, bends or fittings. The high-pressure sections of the solar array are connected with special pipes with a diameter of 0.5 inches. For low-pressure areas, it is recommended to use pipes with a diameter of 1 inch.

Using the lower drainage hole, the structure is filled with water;
A front camera is attached to the device;
The fluid levels are adjusted;
It is recommended to check the battery for water leaks;

After assembling and checking the design, you can begin operation;

Manufacturing or purchasing a ready-made solution?

Homemade devices designed for heating and water heating have low efficiency. Therefore, such structures are recommended for heating a greenhouse, flower greenhouse, or small private room. An air, flat or vacuum device can significantly increase the level of comfort in a country house or country house. The devices reduce the cost of electricity consumed by conventional power sources. Thanks to the introduction of new technologies, the use of solar systems is gaining momentum. But for cold regions of the country, factory designs should be purchased.

DIY solar collector for heating

We are talking about the possibility of making a solar collector for heating with your own hands. Thanks to such devices, solar energy is converted.

Do-it-yourself solar collector: types, operating principles and photos

The use of solar energy is no longer new. It can be used for local heating of water, for example, in a country house. Such heating can also be used for heating, but the cost of additional equipment will be quite high. Building a solar collector with your own hands is not fantastic!

To use solar energy, special collectors are used. There are several device options for different purposes. There are these types of elements:

Flat-plate collector

They can be called a solar panel. It is profitable and easy to create a flat solar collector with your own hands. There is an absorber panel in the center of this device. This panel is made of metals that conduct heat well, most often copper or aluminum. In order for the collector to perform its function well, namely to absorb solar energy as much as possible and convert it into heat with minimal losses, a special composition must be applied to its surface. Its surface is protected by glass with a minimal iron content. This glass has good transmission capacity, minimal light reflection and is good protection from environmental influences. The absorber has a casing along its perimeter to protect it from mechanical influences; it is usually made of steel or aluminum. The housing and lower part of the collector are thermally insulated. The flat element is capable of transferring heat to the coolant that is located in it. It can be plain water or antifreeze.

The flat collector can be placed in any position. It is usually mounted on the roof, but it will work just as well anywhere else. You can build such a solar collector with your own hands without large investments.

If we talk about factory elements, flat ones can be of standard sizes, with an area of up to 2.5 m2.
If more power is required, several standard panels can be installed together. They will form a single solar heat system.

Flat-plate collectors have the advantage of being cheaper than their vacuum counterparts. But at low ambient temperatures, such collectors lose a lot of energy and the efficiency level decreases. Therefore, for use in summer, a flat collector will be sufficient, but in winter it will be almost twice as inferior to a vacuum collector.

Such a collector consists of tubes with a vacuum inside them. The structure of each tube resembles that of a thermos, which is based on a copper rod, the shell of such a thermos is a milk glass flask, and there is a vacuum between them. The inner shell of the tube is coated with a special black paint, and the outer glass is transparent. The tubes are connected using a connecting module.

The price category of this type of collectors is higher than the analogues of flat models, but the advantage is determined by their benefits of use in winter. You can make solar collectors for your home using scrap materials. They can be from other devices, for example, from a refrigerator. There should be no difficulties in repairing vacuum-type devices. If one of the tubes fails, the collector itself will continue to operate. But the heat output will be less.

Vacuum elements can be divided into:

It is more difficult to install a vacuum solar collector with your own hands than a flat one. It will be a little more expensive, but you need to evaluate the advantages of a vacuum before installing it.

It is not so difficult to build a solar collector with your own hands. But it is worth remembering that it will not be as effective as a similar one produced in an industrial environment. It is necessary to make an appropriate calculation of the benefits and effectiveness of this device.

How to make a solar collector with your own hands?

In order to begin constructing such a solar heat storage device, you need to independently perform the following steps:

prepare the basis for the future collector;
prepare the radiator for installation;
prepare a heat storage device;
install the collector directly.

The basis of the device can be an edged board with dimensions from 25-100 mm to 35-135 mm. From them you should make a box of a suitable size, insulate its bottom and put insulation (ordinary glass wool will do), and cover it with a galvanized sheet on top.

The heat exchanger is manufactured as follows:

You should purchase metal tubes: thin-walled and thick-walled.
In thick-walled pipes, holes must be made along the diameter of thin pipes with a pitch of no more than 45 mm. They are drilled on one side. Of course, a solar collector made by yourself will require time to prepare not only the necessary material, but also the tools.
At this stage, the tubes should be securely fastened in the holes and secured by welding.
The constructed structure is fixed on a galvanized sheet located on the box.
The next step is to paint the collector box black. It is advisable to only paint the bottom dark, and leave the remaining parts light, since it is the bottom that will absorb the sun's rays.
Then the cover glass is installed, maintaining a distance of at least 1 cm between it and the tubes.
Any sealed container can serve as a storage tank for the collector. Its volume can reach 400 liters (minimum 150 liters).
The next stage is the manufacture of the fore-chamber. This can be a container of up to 40 liters, a tap is installed on it, and it is this device that will supply water.
To avoid heat loss, it is necessary to thoroughly insulate the tank and the collector itself.

Assembling the device

Now we need to finally assemble it into a single whole. Assembly is carried out in several stages:

Installation of the drive and front camera. An important condition is that the liquid in the reservoir must be 80 mm below the level in the front chamber.
Placement of the collector in a prepared place. You can do this on the roof. It is necessary to maintain a tilt angle of 35-40 degrees, installing the element on the south side.
To minimize heat loss, a distance of at least 50 cm should be maintained between the heat exchanger and the storage tank.
The storage tank should be located above the collector and below the anterior chamber.

The most important stage remains - connecting to the system.

To do this, you need to fill the system with water, adjust its quantity, and make sure there are no leaks. If all conditions are met, such a collector can be used daily.

Such a DIY solar collector for heating will save a lot of money. Water heating systems based on a solar collector can be divided according to the type of water circulation.

Natural water circulation

With such a circulation system, the storage tank is located above the collector. According to natural laws, the water heats up and flows upward into the tank. In this case, cold water is displaced, it flows down and enters the collector. There it heats up and rises again. A tank of this design can be equipped with only two hoses: for supplying cold water and discharging hot water. Such a system is suitable for small country needs - a summer kitchen or shower.

Forced

Such a system does not depend on where the collector or storage tank is located. Water circulates in such a system thanks to an additionally supplied pump. Due to the fact that the installation of an electric pump is required, the cost of the collector increases. This increases productivity.

Along with flat and vacuum devices, it is possible to create an airborne solar collector with your own hands. Its design is much simpler than that of a water one, but its main drawback is significant - it cannot transfer all the accumulated heat. Air is a much worse conductor of heat than water.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which collector is better to choose. Everything will depend on where it will be applied and what level of efficiency is needed in a particular case. But it will help to make a choice by comparing the positive qualities and disadvantages of each type according to the following parameters:

Benefit from solar cell

There are advantages to installing a collector, but in each individual case there will be more or less of them. Main general advantages:

Saving artificially produced resources.
Refusal of artificial resources completely. This can be done if we are talking about low consumption.
Savings on the purchase of ready-made equipment, with the possibility of installing the collector yourself from available materials.
Independence from general heating networks. If there is no possibility of connecting to the central highway, solar collectors are a good replacement.

If the house is large and a sufficient number of people live in it, a complete rejection of artificial resources is impossible, but reducing them and saving on this is a completely feasible task.

Do-it-yourself solar collector: types, operating principles and photos

The use of solar energy is no longer new. It can be used for local heating of water, for example, in a country house. Such heating can also be used for heating, but the cost of additional equipment will be quite expensive. Building a solar collector with your own hands is no longer a fantasy.

The rise in cost of traditional energy sources encourages private home owners to look for alternative options for heating their homes and heating water. Agree, the financial component of the issue will play an important role when choosing a heating system.

One of the most promising methods of energy supply is the conversion of solar radiation. For this purpose, solar systems are used. Understanding the principle of their design and the mechanism of operation, making a solar collector for heating with your own hands will not be difficult.

We will tell you about the design features of solar systems, offer a simple assembly diagram and describe the materials that can be used. The stages of work are accompanied by visual photographs, the material is supplemented by videos about the creation and commissioning of a home-made collector.

Modern solar systems are one of the sources of heat. They are used as auxiliary heating equipment that converts solar radiation into energy useful to home owners.

They are able to fully provide hot water supply and heating during the cold season only in the southern regions. And only if they occupy a sufficiently large area and are installed in open areas not shaded by trees.

Despite the large number of varieties, their operating principle is the same. Any one is a circuit with a sequential arrangement of devices that supply thermal energy and transmit it to the consumer.

The main working elements are solar collectors. The technology on photographic plates is somewhat more complicated than that of a tubular collector.

In this article we will look at the second option – a solar collector system.

Solar collectors still serve as auxiliary energy suppliers. It is dangerous to completely switch home heating to a solar system due to the inability to predict a clear number of sunny days

Collectors are a system of tubes connected in series to the output and input lines or laid out in the form of a coil. Process water, air flow, or a mixture of water and some kind of non-freezing liquid circulates through the tubes.

Circulation is stimulated by physical phenomena: evaporation, changes in pressure and density from the transition from one state of aggregation to another, etc.

The collection and accumulation of solar energy is carried out by absorbers. This is either a solid metal plate with a blackened outer surface, or a system of individual plates attached to tubes.

For the manufacture of the upper part of the body, the lid, materials with a high ability to transmit light are used. This can be plexiglass, similar polymer materials, tempered types of traditional glass.

In order to eliminate energy loss, thermal insulation is placed in the box on the back side of the device

It must be said that polymer materials do not tolerate the influence of ultraviolet rays quite well. All types of plastic have a fairly high coefficient of thermal expansion, which often leads to depressurization of the housing. Therefore, the use of such materials for the manufacture of the collector body should be limited.

Water as a coolant can only be used in systems designed to supply additional heat in the autumn/spring period. If you plan to use the solar system all year round, before the first cold snap, change the process water to a mixture of it and antifreeze.

If a solar collector is installed to heat a small building that has no connection with the autonomous heating of the cottage or with centralized networks, a simple single-circuit system with a heating device at the beginning is constructed.

The chain does not include circulation pumps and heating devices. The scheme is extremely simple, but it can only work in sunny summers.

When a collector is included in a double-circuit technical structure, everything is much more complicated, but the range of days suitable for use is significantly increased. The collector processes only one circuit. The predominant load is placed on the main heating unit, running on electricity or any type of fuel.

Home craftsmen have invented a cheaper option - a spiral heat exchanger made of.

An interesting budget solution is a solar system absorber made of a flexible polymer pipe. Suitable fittings are used to connect to the devices at the inlet and outlet. The choice of available materials from which a solar collector heat exchanger can be made is quite wide. This could be the heat exchanger of an old refrigerator, polyethylene water pipes, steel panel radiators, etc.

An important criterion for efficiency is the thermal conductivity of the material from which the heat exchanger is made.

For self-production, copper is the best option. It has a thermal conductivity of 394 W/m². For aluminum, this parameter varies from 202 to 236 W/m².

However, the large difference in thermal conductivity parameters between copper and polypropylene pipes does not mean that a heat exchanger with copper pipes will produce hundreds of times larger volumes of hot water.

Under equal conditions, the performance of a heat exchanger made of copper pipes will be 20% more efficient than the performance of metal-plastic options. So heat exchangers made from polymer pipes have a right to life. In addition, such options will be much cheaper.

Regardless of the pipe material, all connections, both welded and threaded, must be sealed. The pipes can be placed either parallel to each other or in the form of a coil.

The coil-type circuit reduces the number of connections - this reduces the likelihood of leaks and ensures a more uniform flow of coolant.

The top of the box in which the heat exchanger is located is covered with glass. As an alternative, you can use modern materials, such as an acrylic analogue or monolithic polycarbonate. The translucent material may not be smooth, but grooved or matte.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Manufacturing process of a basic solar collector:

How to assemble and commission a solar system:

Naturally, a self-made solar collector will not be able to compete with industrial models. Using available materials, it is quite difficult to achieve the high efficiency that industrial designs have. But the financial costs will be much lower compared to purchasing ready-made installations.