Roof-mounted Solar Shower

A while back I think I posted a link to a roof-mounted solar shower that was pretty slick. It was also nearly $300, which I couldn't justify. When I showed the picture to Mick, he thought he could build me one for a lot less. Today he made good on his promise and came in under the estimated budget. This is version1, as most engineers continue to try to improve on their projects and he is already thinking of ways to make it better, but it will do for now!

This will be great for off-gridding or in campgrounds where we just need to rinse off a bit. We will still do our main washing at the showers in the campgrounds. Oh, and hey! We are using our roof rack mounts! Finally! Now if we could just remember where we put the locks....hmmmmmm.

Originally Mick was trying to pressurize the system. With the gasket on the pipe, it wasn't holding it's pressure. That is why there is a pressure gauge. Mick won't add that to the next one. We are simply working with the laws of gravity instead. The opening is nice and big which makes filling the tube very easy. We are guessing we have a couple of gallons available.



We have a nice valve to turn the water on and off. We disconnect the hose when not in use.



As long as the hose is lower than the roof, we have water pressure (oh,and we have to open the gasket slightly to allow air flow for the water. It is sealed otherwise).



We just used the spray nozzle we got with the trailer and added a little extra hose to it (that we had in the bucket). Works pretty well!

 

If you think that is inpresive, you should see what he built for the chickens to keep their food safe from the little rat problem we have. This is awesome!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EDshhaw2S18

We can actually control it from the house on those wet days too. The chickens circle underneath it like the mother ship is coming in for a landing. It is pretty hilarious!

Back on subject, the other thing I think is really awesome too, is if the water gets too hot, I can open it up and pour some cold water in to regulate the temp a bit. I am not sure it would be this easy with my solar shower bag.

Prototype two has just been brainstormed! All in, this was between $50-60, but that included parts that we won't add to the next one. He thinks he can do it for $40-50. That one bit with the opening and the gasket was an expensive piece ($27 for the fitting).

 

Very impressive. I'm sure it will just keep getting better. I'm starting to think it would be fun to have an engineer around. I like the chicken feed protector too.

 

Wow I like the chicken food protector. That would make a good bird food protector. We have raccoons that visit and just recently found some new 36" deck swinging hangers or I would be thinking about a winch. SwingArmUSA.com

 

Quick update:

Mick can't leave well enough alone and decided to build another one. This one is far simpler, about a foot longer, and slightly cheaper. When he added it all up it came in between $60-70 (our math last night was off). He got the bigger gasket for the top portion and just used one pipe instead of two. The copper fittings are all the same and there is no pressure gauge/valve (the gasket pops at 10psi Mick says).

The other tube on the top was an idea I had last night. It is a storage tube with ends on both sides that come off. I will store tent poles in there that don't fit across the back of the truck very easily (and are always in the wrong place when I need them). It doesn't lock down for security (the ends are snug and water tight), but then, anyone could steal my tent while it is up anyway. We ran out of the matte black paint so went with what we had in silver. If you decide to make these, we would recommend making a tape band where the strapping holds the pipes on. It completely strips the paint in that spot, unless you paint in black. On the black you don't notice, but the silver we really did.

The best part of this is if we don't need/want it anymore, it comes off easily.





The first prototype is now going on Mick's truck for his weekends at the race track! Waste not, want not!

 

Jenn, I will have to get one. They are a riot...when they aren't eating our veg and berries. Little rascals!

 

Cool, or should I say warm? His gagetting gave you have a nice portable shower and kept him off the streets for a bit. Win-win.

Sue

 

Hmmm interesting,I had forgotten about the "Gravity Feed" systems..
I used to use one of those blue 5 gal bottles for camping with a spigot, and wrapped in that aluminmum bubble wrap for insulation for a dive rinse off...

I'd fill it with HOT water from the faucet then then dive to the dive site, do the dive and come out to rinse. It was TOO HOT... hd to wait to second dive and still hot...
this is up in Whidbey Island

Nice it was...

 

Will the water already be too hot to use during the day on your trip thru the southwest this summer? If the tanks are filled and sit in the full sun on the roof all day...
That 2nd alcove may keep the tanks a little cooler.
Good luck!

 

I was thinking about that. When I fill it up I am going to leave a little room so I can throw in some colder water to mix and make a little cooler. I can reach up where the gasket is and feel the water before we spray it. I have a second alcove too, so that is a good point that it could help keep it on the cooler end. I will be bringing it with us.

 

I like it! Simple, common parts, easy construction, and a warm shower... Great stuff.

You have me thinking about putting such a tank contraption on the roof bars I have for my tow vehicle (Honda Element). We don't have bars on the TD - but the Element's higher roof height may provide a little more head pressure for the shower.

 

Mick has done that done with the prototype. He placed a block under one end to help with the gravity feed. The surfers at the beach were jealous as they watched Mick hose off in the parking lot. Not all beaches here have showers!