Homemade Window Solar Heater

Part Two - Add a Solar Reflector

OPTIONAL FINAL STEPS----------------->
Reflect more sunlight onto the surface of your cardboard solar heater.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to hang something off of your metal window sill using the groove that is on the outside of a traditional style window (this is the slot the top storm window slides down into for cleaning, etc).

Here I have hooked up two 14" double track shelf supports to the window sill gap shown above. You can buy these at larger hardware stores such as Lowes. For many windows this size will fit perfectly into your storm window groove. You may have to work it into place, as it's a snug fit--which is great for keeping it in place.

Next I rigged up a piece of white styrofoam that was piled on the curb along with a neighbor's garbage.White styrofoam is highly reflective (it will reflect about 75% of the sunlight) and I figure using it to help save energy is better than having it sit in a dump for over 100 years before it finally decomposes. Also, importantly, it is light, so it can be hung off your window frame without too much concern of damage. But take it down during storms, etc, or it can bend the metal.

Other good reflective surfaces are mirrors, mylar, and white painted surfaces. Use whatever you can find.

I attached the styrofoam with two bungee cords and three light metal bars.Prior to hanging the styrofoam, I punched a series of holes in it using a long screw about every 6-8 inches in order to allow wind and rain to pass through.

The final step is to adjust the angle of your reflector to make sure you are taking advantage of the angle of the sun. Holding a small mirror one top of your reflecting surface may help you understand the angle needed to bounce the sun onto the solar heater surface. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the sun is at its lowest angle in the middle of December.

OPTIONAL FINAL STEPS----------------->	Reflect more sunlight onto the surface of your cardboard solar heater.
	One of the easiest ways to do this is to hang something off of your metal window sill using the groove that is on the outside of a traditional style window (this is the slot the top storm window slides down into for cleaning, etc).
	Here I have hooked up two 14" double track shelf supports to the window sill gap shown above. You can buy these at larger hardware stores such as Lowes. For many windows this size will fit perfectly into your storm window groove. You may have to work it into place, as it's a snug fit--which is great for keeping it in place.
	Next I rigged up a piece of white styrofoam that was piled on the curb along with a neighbor's garbage.White styrofoam is highly reflective (it will reflect about 75% of the sunlight) and I figure using it to help save energy is better than having it sit in a dump for over 100 years before it finally decomposes. Also, importantly, it is light, so it can be hung off your window frame without too much concern of damage. But take it down during storms, etc, or it can bend the metal. Other good reflective surfaces are mirrors, mylar, and white painted surfaces. Use whatever you can find. I attached the styrofoam with two bungee cords and three light metal bars.Prior to hanging the styrofoam, I punched a series of holes in it using a long screw about every 6-8 inches in order to allow wind and rain to pass through. The final step is to adjust the angle of your reflector to make sure you are taking advantage of the angle of the sun. Holding a small mirror one top of your reflecting surface may help you understand the angle needed to bounce the sun onto the solar heater surface. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the sun is at its lowest angle in the middle of December.