DIY Parabolic Solar Heater

My uncle and I decided to put the power of the sun to the test! We set out to build a solar heater, an incredible device that can generate intense heat—even in winter. These heaters can get so powerful that the focal point's temperature becomes dangerously high! In fact, one of these devices can cook meat outdoors even in cold weather, making it both a survival tool and a potential hazard in the wilderness.

Since we had an old, damaged satellite dish lying around, we decided to upcycle it into this fascinating project.

Materials Needed

1. A satellite dish
2. Silicone adhesive
3. Mirror (1m x 1m)
4. Square steel tubing
5. Welding station
6. Steel rods
7. Steel tube or two bushings
8. Steel set screw

The first step is to clean and prepare the satellite dish. Remove any bolts or attachments and make sure the surface is free from dirt and debris. This will ensure better adhesion for the mirrors.

Using a glass cutter, carefully cut the mirror into small 3cm x 3cm squares. These will act as reflective surfaces to concentrate the sunlight onto a single focal point.

Apply silicone adhesive to the back of each mirror piece and stick them onto the satellite dish. Arrange them as close together as possible to maximize reflection. Allow sufficient time for the adhesive to dry completely.

The frame can be constructed in various ways, depending on the materials available. We designed ours according to the schematic shown. Start by cutting the square steel tubing to the required lengths.

Using a welding station, join the steel tubing to form the basic structure. This will serve as the support for the satellite dish.

Once the main structure is assembled, ensure the base is stable and level. This will prevent the solar heater from tipping over.

Weld two steel rods to the sides of the satellite dish. These will act as pivot points to allow adjustments to the heater’s angle.

Weld two bushings onto the frame where the satellite dish will be mounted. Secure the dish in place using a steel set screw to allow for adjustments.

Continue refining the structure by cutting and welding additional pieces as needed. Since precise measurements aren’t required, you can adjust as you go.

Install a grill rack at the focal point using adjustable set screws. This allows for height adjustments based on the intensity of the heat.

Finally, apply a coat of paint to protect the metal parts from rust. Your solar heater is now ready to cook—even in winter!

Conclusion

This DIY solar heater is a fantastic way to harness renewable energy for cooking and heating. Whether you use it as an outdoor kitchen tool or an emergency survival device, this project demonstrates the incredible power of the sun.

Thank you for checking out this Instructable! We hope you find it inspiring and useful.