Do you know how to make a solar panel for heating water?

Energy is one of the most expensive items in running a household. If you are thinking about building an efficient system, you should also look at solar charging stations. A solar water heating panel can then be a way to cut costs significantly. How about making such a panel yourself?

What do you need to make it?

Solar panel

A solar water heating panel is best made from flexible piping, but black hoses or an old fridge will also come in handy. The surface of the panel is best made of glass painted black, as black absorbs the most solar radiation. If you insulate the back and the sides with mineral wool, you are halfway there.

Panel frame

A frame made of wood, aluminium or another metal, or hard plastic, works best. Remember, though, that once mounted on the frame, the panel should sit at an angle of 45°.

Water tank

Do you have an unused plastic tank? Put it to use. When choosing one, consider how much hot water you need to heat. If you only heat water in a swimming pool, you do not need a tank, because the panel connects directly to the pool filtration system.

Finally, get some fittings, a safety valve, an air release valve and a thermometer.

Making a home solar water heating system yourself is not easy, and it can often get expensive if you want a truly efficient system.

A solar panel made from cans

I recently read in an article that a solar panel can even be made from cans. If you have a pile of beer or soft drink cans, do not throw them away. Making such a panel is said to take 10 hours, and you do not need any special skills. So how do you do it?

Sand the empty cans and paint them black. Cut off one end and make a hole in the other. Then place the cans in a wooden frame, which you insulate first. Drill 6 to 7 holes in the bottom for air to pass through. On the opposite side, you need an opening for a fan. A computer fan could also do the job and will also be the main source of energy. Not a bad idea, is it?

Uses of a solar panel

So what can this simple solar panel be used for? There are two systems:

Heating domestic hot water (DHW) –  you can heat domestic hot water in a tank, which you can then use for showering or washing up

Heating pool water, the most common reason home DIYers build a solar heater, as it is best suited to heating water in a swimming pool.

The best system for a country cottage

Do you own a country cottage or a holiday cabin and are wondering which solar panel would suit it best? One option could be a gravity-fed solar system, which is designed precisely for holiday homes. Installing it is simple. It is best placed low on the roof, near the gutters. The solar water heater then goes in the loft. Connecting the water heater is not difficult either. It just has to sit higher than the solar panels. You can install this system entirely on your own.

How much does it cost to make?

A simple DIY solar water heater that can compete with commercial equipment can be made for up to 30,000 CZK (about 1,400 USD). It always depends on the materials you choose and the size of the system.

When it comes to the lifespan and payback of solar panels, many factors play a role, but go ahead and build one anyway. The climate crisis is an ever-growing problem, so be smart and create an energy source that suits you.

Sources: adbz.cz, evolty.cz

USD amounts are approximate, converted at the Czech National Bank rate of 21.75 CZK per USD on 9 October 2026.