An air temperature regulating assembly is provided having a packed rock bed through which air may flow between outer and inner spaces by way of interstices between rock units in order to transfer heat to or from the rock bed, in use. Dampers control the flow of air between the outer space, the inner space, an enclosed air space the temperature of which is to be regulated by raising or lowering it and the surrounding atmosphere. A fan moves air within the assembly. The rock bed is in the form of a pile of rocks having an upper surface that is inclined and directed in the general direction of the sun to directly absorb solar energy. The outer space is defined between the upper inclined surface of the rock bed and a transparent cover spaced upwardly from the surface of the rock bed.

A solar energy thermostatic controller using a solid-state microcomputer that manages air mover(s) to supply heated air for building space heating. Methods includes microcomputer software for communicating with temperature sensors located at the solar heating source, the supply vent source and the building room/interior. The present invention thermostatic control device features a data logger to record temperatures and humidity history, and elapsed time usage history of solar heated air available from attics and crawl spaces; or solar collectors mounted in or on walls, rooftops, or exterior locations. The thermostatic control device manages use of limited solar heated air for building environmental control. Program controlled temperature set points manage an HVAC blower to gather solar heated air during the daily sunlight solar excursion and to control shutdown of the supply system when solar heated air temperature falls below present room/interior temperature. Methods include permanent memory storage of historical data.

A solar energy attic air heat reservoir system including methods for selecting, installing and operating air movers coupled with HVAC components, air filters, and thermostatic control devices operating systematically for space heating. Solar insolation conducted through building roof materials heats the large volume of attic airspace sealed from normal ventilation during heating season to preserve heat energy, with heat transfer coefficient of convection contributing to and sustaining heating of attic air. Thermostatic digital temperature control devices communicate in series between the building attic and interior for optimum used of heated air supply for environmental control. Methods include computer program applications for feasibility, apparatus selection, operation, and energy cost accountability to enable optimizing space heating using the limited daily solar induced heat. Methods include advantageous containment of thermal energy stored in building interior materials as gathered from attic-heated air for later release through diurnal temperature variation to augment space heating.

A solar powered heater system includes a water heater located within an insulated closet or container along with a heater located internal to the closet that is configured to regulate an elevated air temperature around the water tank. The system includes a solar panel to generate the energy to power the heater. A controller is used to regulate the energy and optimize performance of the heater in the closet near the water heater. The system is used to heat the air around the water heater to minimize losses and inefficiencies found within water heaters and to allow the system to simply operate with any style water heater.