Dec 1975 RAIN Page 11 Solar Workshops In two weekend workshops at Soap Lake, Washington (June 27-28, 1975), and Twin Falls, Idaho (October 30-31, 1975), Ken Smith and Lee Johnson taught over 100 people how to build solar collectors. County energy affairs assistants, community action agency winterization crews and private citizens in Washington and Idaho learned the history and theory of solar energy and then built flat-plate collector hot water systems. The three built at Soap Lake are now located at the Washington State Energy Office in Olympia, the Energy Information Center in Spokane and in Soap Lake. Of the four in Idaho, one is at the Idaho Economic Opportunity Office in Boise, another in Twin Falls, and the others we haven't heard about yet. But more important than the devices are the people, who are listed by location on the following pages, in case you've any questions. Teaching and observing them build, it became delightfully obvious that a rapid transition toward a solar society will not only be much easier than many people would believe, but it will be one of the most popular and politically acceptable events that will occur between now and the year 2000. People want to relate to peaceful technologies they can understand; to sciences which are as basically grounded in human experience as sunrise, sunset and the changing seasons; and to energy systems of which they need have no fear. They always say "Why, this is so simple! Why aren't there more of these around?" Then they realize that there are now seven where there were none, and that there are now 100 people who know how to go beyond those seven devices. And they see that a great many things are possible under the sun. The instructions, materials and tool lists on the next few pages cover the system we built: a 4'x8' panel heating water by gravity circulation (no pumps). Three to four of these panels would provide enough hot water for a family of four. Depending on your particular situation and personal needs, such a system might supply all your requirements or might simply, by means of a heat exchanger, assist your existing electric or gas water heater, lowering your bills. Check with Photos by Maggi Sullivan your local utility, building, electrical and plumbing inspectors, and with your local plumbing store handyman for local information before you build ... mostly they'll be intrigued and helpful. You start by making out a tool and materials list. You finish by adding water and pointing the collector south at 45°. INSTRUCTIONS BUILD BOX: Cut one 2x4 in half, build 4x8 rectangle by gluenailing 2x4s together with # 12 box, gluenailing 4x8 sheet to 2x4s with #4 common, caulking seams before nailing to prevent heat leaks. Paint all over. INSTALL INSULATION: Measure box interior and insulation to fit bottom, glue foil to insulation, lay insulation in box shiny foil side up. MATERIALS One 1/2"x'1-'x8' exterior plywood sheet, three 8'x2"x4" utility or better, 1/2 lb. # 12 box nails, 1/2 lb. #4 common nails, 1 qt. white wood glue, 1 tube latex caulking, 1 gal. white latex paint. One sheet 2"x4'x8' rigid fiberglass, styrofoam or other rigid substitute. Household aluminum foil, wood glue. TOOLS 1 sharp hand saw, carpenter's square, 2 hammers, 2 sawhorses, 1 caulking gun with tube of caulk, tape measure. Cardboard box knife or upholstery knife, t;tpe measure. Continued next page
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