Simple Solar Firewood Dryer

Simple Solar Firewood Dryer ENERGY Solar 30-3-27 Phil Jergenson's solar-powered wood dryer was a "natural development" for him. "I've been a solar designer of all kinds of equipment for about 30 years, and lived with a wood stove for that period, too, so harnessing the sun to dry firewood was a natural combination," explains the Willits, Calif., man. The "Jergenson Wood Drier" is a 4 by 8 by 1-ft. plywood box with a corrugated fiberglass lid set at a 30-degree angle. By facing the unit to the south, Willits says the temperature inside the solar dryer can get up to 160 degrees F, quickly drying bundles of firewood and kindling. "The box is 32 cu. feet and holds about 1/4 of a cord. In the summer, it will completely dry the wood (from green to bone dry), in two months, depending on the thickness of the material," Jergenson says. The wood is easy to load or unload from the dryer because he uses "Uline"-taped bundles. This special adhesive tape is made from UV-resistant material, which adheres strongly to itself and to the wood. Jergenson also sells 30-yrd. rolls of Uline tape for $3 per roll (plus shipping). He's been selling pre-built dryers locally for $300, but he can also supply detailed plans. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jergenson Design, Phil Jergenson, Box 1029, Willits, Calif. 95490 (ph 707 459-4240; pjergenson@saber.net).

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