Exploring Permaculture Weekend,
New Life Retreat Centre, May 21-23, 2005
Exploring Permaculture Weekend >Work Projects >Solar Shower

Solar Shower
(Please click on the thumbnails to see the larger version)

Our vision for the completed solar shower was to have it near the cluster of old farm buildings, close enough for residents of the buildings, campers and retreat guests to use in the summer-time, and set on top of a hill where one could have a steaming-hot shower with a beautiful view of the countryside sprawling out before them.
We began by prepping an old electric water-heater that a friend had donated to Chas (below left). We removed the outer covering (below right).

... and peeled away the layer of heat-insulating foam to get at the cast iron tank.

The rusty tank was sanded smooth,

.. painted black and covered in a layer of glazing for maximum sun reflection (below left). Next we used a "Sun Wings" kit to create a structure for the tank to sit on (below right and the next row).

The sun wings reflect the sun onto the tank, heating it up in time for a six pm shower. All that's left is to build the cabana, which will have a composting toilet and change-room attatched. Ralph, carpenter extraordinaire, was an integral part of realizing our vision, and we thank him for his generous help with our project.

Other projects we worked on included: a Willow Fence, Sheet Mulch Bed, and a trip to WindMill Point Farm.

Written by Anna Przychodzki (workshop participant, volunteer at the Sustainable Living Network)