Solar thermal energy is a renewable energy technology that uses the sun’s energy as a heat source. It is a great way to generate energy and provide heat, hot water and cooling to homes. The most common uses include heating domestic water, pool water, and living space. Here we will discuss solar thermal systems for hot water.
Like solar PV, this is a sustainable green energy source. With global awareness of environmental concerns and ever-increasing energy costs, many homeowners are looking for ways to save even more money especially on alternative methods of energy generation. Things to know about solar thermal energy for heating water in the home include:
Types of complexes. There are three basic types of complexes dubbed: low, medium, and high. Low collectors are flat panels used to heat swimming pools. Intermediate collectors are also flat plates and are used to heat water and air. High collectors use mirrors, lenses, and other materials with reflective surfaces to collect sunlight, which they then use as general electrical energy.
stabilizing. The panels are very lightweight and easily assembled. There is usually no need for an overhaul of the wiring and chassis. Basic space requirements include about a few hundred square feet of flat surface.
What equipment is required? To harness the sun’s energy through solar thermal energy, the following are needed:
1. Collector
2. Storage tank
3. Expansion tank
4. Solar power station with pump
5. Control
6. Sunscreen
7. Hardware installation and
8. Pipes
How does this work? Solar collectors, including tubes or tubes that contain a liquid (often oil or water) in them, are placed on top of the roof. The sun will heat the tubes and thus the solar fluid. The control unit checks the system temperature. The solar plant pumps pump the liquid from the collector into the hot water tank. The liquid will then flow through a coiled tube inside the water tank making the water inside the hot water tank hot. The water from the hot water tank can then be used directly for domestic needs. The liquid is pumped back into the collector to be heated by the sun again. To take advantage of the full potential of your rooftop solar collectors, position them facing south, and tilt them 45 degrees toward the sun.
What about winter time? Does it work more efficiently during cold seasons than during hot, sunny days? Limited heat is available during the day during the winter, therefore, solar thermal collectors will operate less effectively. However, the system will still provide significant savings through the year.
Long before fossil fuels were discovered, humans made way to survive and live. Now that these supplies are depleted, humanity will have to switch to renewable energy to continue living a comfortable life. Solar thermal energy is free and with the improvement in technology it is becoming easier to convert it into electricity that a family can use. Solar thermal energy as an energy source not only helps save the environment from further damage but also ensures that people can live a better life by saving energy costs. Solar heat can also be used to heat and cool the home as well. See our upcoming articles on these technologies soon.