I may never get around to doing anything about using solar heating,
but I do have the best intentions. And would like to build some solar
panels and come up with some heat storage. Probably will not do
anything until I finish putting in more insulation.

http://www.builditsolar.com/Experime...perimental.htm has some
interesting information including some information about using Calcium
Chloride Hexahydrate as a phase change material. In addition to the
Calcium Chloride one needs some sodium and potassium chloride. and
some Strorntium Chloride hexahydrate. And I have not found a good
source for the Strontium Chloride.

I thought since you are involved pyrotechnics Lloyd, you might know of
a good source.

I am planning on using solar power to cut the heating costs down. Not
an effort to eliminate conventional heating. So a relatively modest
effort. When it is a sunny day, the furnace is not needed after about
8:30 in the morning until evening. So I think a couple of solar panels
and some heat storage could make a significant reduction in fuel used.

Dan