Do solar kilns work?

[user 188535]

I am trying to build up my firewood business as it seems as if Virginia gets a real winter this year, I will be getting real sales. I need a quick way to dry my wood in a couple of weeks. I have thought of building a small solar kiln and was wondering if that would be sufficient to dry a small amount of wood every 3 weeks to keep up with demand. It would sit in a very sunny part of my yard. I am also wondering if this will also work in the winter too? I need an energy-efficient solution too. Could I maybe make a kiln with a furnace powered by woodchips? ANY advice helps.

 

[Lightning Performance]

You're not going to get any feedback on here son. So... you need to go look around on the internet and build yourself a Virginia solar kiln. Then put auxiliary heat to it in the winter.

 

[user 188535]

You're not going to get any feedback on here son. So... you need to go look around on the internet and build yourself a Virginia solar kiln. Then put auxiliary heat to it in the winter.

Ok. I have decided to just let my wood air dry. Can I power a kiln with woodchips?

 

[sundance]

Ok. I have decided to just let my wood air dry. Can I power a kiln with woodchips?

Air dried is a year for most species, probably 2 for oak. So much for sales this winter.

 

[user 188535]

Air dried is a year for most species, probably 2 for oak. So much for sales this winter.

Yep. I sell most of my wood DRY and not seasoned.

 

[capetrees]

I am trying to build up my firewood business as it seems as if Virginia gets a real winter this year, I will be getting real sales. I need a quick way to dry my wood in a couple of weeks. I have thought of building a small solar kiln and was wondering if that would be sufficient to dry a small amount of wood every 3 weeks to keep up with demand. It would sit in a very sunny part of my yard. I am also wondering if this will also work in the winter too? I need an energy-efficient solution too. Could I maybe make a kiln with a furnace powered by woodchips? ANY advice helps.

 

[sundance]

Yep. I sell most of my wood DRY and not seasoned.

Wouldn't be selling to me to burn this year.

 

[user 188535]

Wouldn't be selling to me to burn this year.

I give my wood 10 months.

 

[Bill G]

Do not let the naysayers dissuade you. You have a ton more ambition than most your age. If I remember correctly you are mostly selling camp wood in small bundles. Keep doing what you are doing and you will be fine. Split it small and let it air dry and carry on young man.