Large 1986 Solar Space Heating System Marches On

In 1986 Mike Smith built his own home.  The home included very high insulation levels and a large (360 sqft) solar air heating collector.  

Mike's home with the large solar air heating collector.

After 25 years of service, the collector is still going strong.  Amazingly, in 25 years the system has required zero maintenance.

The hot air from the collector is ducted down to a rock bin in the basement to store heat.  When the house needs heat, hot air from the rock bin is ducted to the house.  A regular furnace provides backup.

The very good insulation levels (especially for 1986) allows the solar heating system to provide a large fraction of the home heating.

Mike provides all of the details on construction and living with the system for 25 years are here...

Lots more on solar space heating of all types here...

More examples from people who built great solar homes...

Gary