How to Make a Solar Heating Work Shop

Build the frame of your work shop on an insulated concrete slab using 2-by-6-inch studs. Cover the sides and roof with siding. Make sure the long-end of the roof is facing south.

Cut a 6-by-14-inches hole 12 inches from the floor in the south wall using a circular saw or a jigsaw. Cut another 6-by-14-inches hole 12 inches from the ceiling straight above the first hole.

Install a aluminum vent around the hole and secure it with glue or crews to the wall.

Go around the shop with a can of spray foam insulation. Spray foam in all the cracks you find to prevent any air leakage.

Install 6 inches of roll insulation on the walls and ceiling. Make sure to put the paper side on the inside of the room. Make sure not to cover the vents.

Put 2-by-4 studs on their 4-inch side on the ground in a grid pattern. Make sure the maximal length between two pieces is 2 feet. Secure the studs together so they do not move

Insert 2-inch insulation in between the studs on the floor.

Mark the location of the vents and cut holes in the piece of wood that will cover the area to the vent is not closed.

Cover the floor, walls and ceiling with 3/4-inch plywood. Screw them in place using 1/4-inch wood screws. Align the wood panel with the hole for the vent precisely.

Seal the bottom gap between panel and vent using foam insulation. Seal the upper gap with heat resistant sealant.

Measure the distance from 6 inches off the ground and 6 inches short of the roof-line on the outside of the work shop. Cut two 2-by-6 studs to that size.

Cut a 2-by-6-inch stud to have two 4-feet pieces. Put the pieces on their 2-inch sides on a straight floor and form a box. Screw the pieces together using 3-inch wood screws.

Secure the box to the wall using aluminum "L" brackets. Make sure the vent holes in the wall are centered.

Cut the aluminum screen to the size of the inside of the box. Staple it to the side of the box. Create two or layers one each apart.

Install the foam corrugated sealant on the top and bottom of the box and install the corrugated clear polycarbonate sheet on top. Scree the sheet to the box every 6 inches.