Yes, solar hot air panels have been around forever. I have a 200sqft one on the back of my house. It was my first active solar build on this dwelling. It has been heating our house this year in the trans-seasonal period. No heat pump yet. Solar hot air is nice because "leaks" are non destructive, no snow buildup (Vert), snow reflection, etc.. Better efficiency when powered by a blower, rather than thermosyphon alone.
But like all Solar thermal in the USA, never really caught on due to lack of incentives, regulations, etc.. At its prime when JC put solar on the WH. To much FFI corruption as well.. killed it...
------------------------------
william fitch
Owner
www.WeAreSolar.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-01-2024 06:07 PM
From: Luther Krueger
Subject: 8th Fire Solar's Solar Thermal Air Heater: Minnesota Made
Earlier this month I found out about a maker of solar thermal air heaters, right in my home state of Minnesota. I have a separate YT channel for solar cooking, this will be posted on that but also my separate, more comprehensive channel of occasional videos regarding sustainable living and renewable energy. What I like best about it is that 8th Fire will install it--or send you the kit with instructions, and according to my guest Gwe Gasco, 3 of 4 8th Fire customers choose the DIY route.
Gwe Gasco - 8th Fire Solar's Air Heaters
I'd love to hear of other solar air heater makers out there.
Luther
------------------------------
Luther Krueger, Curador Maximo
Museum of Solar Cooking, Minneapolis
[EmailAddress]
------------------------------