Solar Heated Animal Shelters

Modern day agricultural methods have made todays farmers dependent upon fossil fuels to maintain their productivity. This paper addresses one aspect of the problem -- the heating of animal shelters. In particular, the solar heating of a broiler grow-out house, where temperatures of up to 95°F must be maintained, is discussed. A detailed analysis of a solar heated broiler grow-out house that has been operating for over a year will be presented. The solar system provided 47% of the heat required to grow 22,000 chickens. The system utilizes a 3,200 ft.2 integrated rock absorption and storage collector. An economic analysis of the solar system which cost $6,600 shows that it has a payback period of 5 years. Another circulating hot air collector has been designed and its design, construction and operation will be discussed