Solar Windows. A Low Cost Method of Saving Utility Money.

Believe it or not, every window in your house or apartment is ab solar collector. By doing simple, low cost, adjustments to your window, it could drastically cut your utility bill in half. Unlike other solar ideas, this is something anyone can do, economically.

Most homes today have double glazed windows. That is two layers of glass. By adding a third layer, it will cut back on heat loss in the winter. Plus, there is an added bonus, it makes the home quieter from outside noise.

Here is what I do. I take a sheet of plastic (in this case, PolyCarbonate), or fiberglass. (I use a brand called SunTuff), and place it behind the window in the window shelf. To hold it up, I use ordinary shower curtain rods. You know the twist it type. These are placed at the top of the window, holding the plastic sheet in.

Then I attach thick (fire resistant) curtains. I use clip on type curtain rings, which clip the curtain to the ring. The curtain rings are placed over the curtain rod. Then hang the curtain behind the window and plastic sheet.

It works. When the sun comes through, it warms my room really nice. Then in the evening I close the curtains to trap in the heat. The major concern is water moisture, however if you make it air tight, it will not be a concern.

Presto...a low cost solar collector for every room. If you are in an area where air conditioning is a concern. Solar windows can help keep the heat out. Simple, place solar reflection film, or white curtains, to reflect the light back out. It can help reduce air conditioning cost also. This is a great application for apartment dwellers.

This is a good example, of how people can integrate solar on a budget...plus it works.

Martin Nix

POBox 95173

Seattle, Wa 98145-2173

Contact: martin_nix@yahoo.com

--sunbustion