Harvesting solar heat from steel shipping container

How to prepare a solar thermal container?

To prepare the container, identify an outward corrugation for the vent holes (it comes out of the container toward you as you view it from the outside). Be sure to select a corrugation that will leave enough space (about 24”) on either side to ensure that the entire back of the solar thermal unit is supported by the container.

Is it possible to burn fossil fuels to heat a grow container?

First and foremost of these is energy. While it is certainly feasible to burn fossil fuels to heat a grow container, it goes against our commitment to make food production carbon neutral. Solar thermal is not a new technology. It is often employed to heat water (solar water heaters) and, less commonly/commercially, air.

How does a solar thermal system work?

Solar thermal is not a new technology. It is often employed to heat water (solar water heaters) and, less commonly/commercially, air. In either case, the units function as follows (example is with air). A heat absorber is placed in a box with a transparent top/face. The box has an inlet at its lower end and an outlet at its upper end.

How do you mount a water heater to a container?

With the unit held in place, drill mounting holes in the unit by going inside the container and drilling through the mounting holes that were made in the last step. Secure a bolt with a 1 1/2” washer through each hole and put another washer on the container side followed by a 1/2” nut. Secure all mounting bolts tightly.