- Build the main solar box by connecting a flat, measured sheet of plywood to three measured two-by-fours with long wood screws, placing the two-by-fours along the edge of the plywood to form a shallow box. The fourth edge should be left open for now. Align a slightly smaller piece of plywood, or another lightweight material, to the center of the two-by-fours, with a gap at the "bottom." This second piece should split the box into two parts, as in the schematic.
- Paint the inside of the box, spraying a dark pigment to the visible area. The top "channel" is the hot side of the panel, and a flat black color will heat the air that passes through it by absorbing more solar energy.
- Cover the top of the painted section with a clear material, such as plexiglass or real glass, by securing a large measured section of it to the top edge of the two-by-fours with strong adhesive or screws. This will leave a gap equal to the interior, and the clear plexiglass will trap warm air while allowing light rays to pass through it.
- Secure the panel to a window by covering the top, open section of the finished box with measured, flat sections of material that can be attached to a partially open window frame. Construction can vary, but cutting the side two-by-fours at an angle and mounting more two-by-fours at the angle of the window frame can support the window pane. The middle section that divides the top and bottom channels must remain separate until the channels clear the interior window frame, to allow proper air flow. The panel, when hit by sunlight, will draw cool air into the bottom channel, where the lighter, warmer air in the top channel will pull it back into the house. This "air pump" will operate as long as the inside and outside air temperatures are not balanced.
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