Solar Water Heating Kit

Developed alongside the Wind Turbine Kit by the National Energy Foundation, the Solar Heating kit allows investigations to be conducted into ways of using the energy from the sun to help meet our energy requirements.

Allow pupils to quantitatively explore solar heating systems with this simple to use and effective kit. Use outdoors in the sun or inside using an infrared lamp or desk lamp to measure the increase in temperature of the water in the copper pipe.

The solar water heating kit consists of a length of copper pipe, sealed at both ends with rubber bungs, surrounded by a sheet of snug fitting coloured aluminium. A digital temperature probe is inserted through the bung at one end to monitor the temperature of the water inside. Investigations can be carried out into how thermal energy from the sun (or a desk lamp) can be used to heat water.

Kit includes:

• 1.5V AA battery

• Digital thermometer (range 0-50°C)

• Aluminium solar clip fin

• Robust insulated storage case

• Comprehensive lesson plans