Fabrication of a Passive Solar Water Heater Using Locally Sourced Materials in Maiduguri, Borno State

Background: Energy poverty and the high cost of liquefied petroleum gas make water heating an expensive household activity in North East Nigeria. Passive solar water heaters using locally available materials offer a renewable and low-maintenance alternative. Aim: This project fabricated and evaluated a passive solar water heater constructed from locally sourced materials available in Maiduguri, Borno State. Methods: The flat-plate collector was constructed using black-painted aluminium sheets as the absorber, locally sourced glass as the cover, and polyurethane foam insulation. A 50-litre galvanised steel storage tank was connected via copper tubing. Thermal performance was evaluated over 21 days by measuring inlet and outlet water temperatures at two-hour intervals. Results: The heater achieved a mean daily peak water temperature of 68.4 degrees Celsius. Thermal efficiency averaged 52.3% across evaluation days. Construction cost was NGN 31,000, with an estimated payback period of 14 months relative to firewood heating. Conclusion: The fabricated solar water heater demonstrates that effective thermal energy systems can be built from affordable local materials in North East Nigeria. The study supports integration of such systems in rural homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. Keywords: solar water heater, flat-plate collector, thermal efficiency, Maiduguri, renewable energy.