Why not just build a solar kiln? Seems a waste to heat a kiln to dry firewood to make heat.
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_bas...olar_kiln.html
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects.../wood_kiln.htm
I plan on building one this winter to start drying my hardwoods for the house. I want solar fans, so that will be the only big expense. Once the house is done I could chuck firewood in it.
RD
I built a small solar kiln 8x8x8,average dry time from green to dry is about 28 days in the summer.Max temp has been about 145 degrees/with fans going. 160 F without fans.
On the first few days A.M. moisture will be on the roof.
For fans a 10 watt solar panel and 4 puter fans,2 on each side top and bottom,wired in series cost for the fans and solar panel was about $100.
I used 3 sliding glass doors leftover from a remodel on the bottom horizontally,Suntek corrugated for top and some of the sides.
Total cost was about $500 in supply's.(WISH IT WAS BIGGER NOW).
If i had a sawmill and the room a semi trailer painted black top and south side,Suntek on the south side,holes top and bottom AC fans in the back venting this one.
I would think $3k easily would do this one.(including the trailer)
Mark
P.S. I will try to post pic's if anyone cares.