It’s only March, but the sun is already beating hot and heavy on us here in SoCal. But here’s an easy project for you to try in the colder regions of the world: a solar heater that converts the visible light spectrum to usable heat using pennies! Yep, pennies. So I hardly need to tell you that this solar heater doesn’t cost too much to construct. It’s yet another good idea from the folks behind greenupdater.com, a site that shows you DIY projects that can enhance your life using alternative energy. Visit their site for the full instructions, but here’s the equipment list so you can collect before jumping in head-first:
2x 20″ x 30″ Foam Board - at your local hardware or craft store.
About 300 pennies (Ross uses 304) - Start looking in the couch.
Flat Black Paint - Benjiaman Moore Eco-Spec paint which is a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) latex paint. Many hardware stores will sell you small sample jars.
24″ x 36″ Plexiglass - At your local hardware store.
Spray Adhesive
Hot Glue Gun
Packing Tape
Utility Knife
And here’s a picture of the completed unit: 
Happy Easter everyone!
