Solar Heating Panels

When thinking about solar energy, the first thing that comes to your mind are those expensive photovoltaic solar panels that transform the solar energy into electricity. Solar heating panels use a totally different technology. Instead of producing electricity, they are designed to heat water or air.
Solar collectors as they are also known can be classified in two different groups according to their use. The first one is designed for solar water heating  and the second for heating spaces. Both systems work in a similar way.

Flat plate solar collectors

Flat plate solar collectors without glass cover are most of the time used to heat swimming pools. There is no need for insulation on such systems. When the collectors are enclosed in a frame equipped with glazing and insulated their main purpose is for air and domestic water heating

Unglazed Collectors

Unglazed solar collectors are intended for low temperature purposes like aqua culture and swimming pools water heating. The majority of these solar collectors use polymer plastic or rubber. To extend the life of these materials they are UV treated.

Evacuated-Tube Collectors

Solar heating panels using evacuated-tube collectors are made of a number of glass tubes. Each vacuum-sealed tube contains an absorber plate attached to a heat pipe. The heat present in the pipe is transferred to a device called condenser. Condensers are fixed to a heat-exchange part.  Heat obtained is transferred to the condenser. The cold water run through the system, collect the heat from the condensers before going to a tank. On this kind of water heating system, cold weather or water at high temperature have almost no effect on evacuate tube collectors.

Glazed Flat-Plate Collectors

Glazed solar heating panels are made of a thin rectangular container and a plate of black color placed behind a glass cover. On the plate is located a circuit of tubes. Water or antifreeze liquid will run through the tubes. While circulating, the liquid will absorb the heat coming from the sun thanks to the solar collector. The hot water is then evacuated to a storage tank connected to the existing water heater. Such systems using flat-plate collectors perform better in warm weather. They are perfect for applications requiring average to high temperature.

All the above solar systems are a great and efficient way of using solar energy. Such technology is mature enough to be implemented and provides excellent results. Whatever the kind of solar heating panels you decide to install, you can expect to make substantial savings on your energy bills.