The Basics
Solar thermal technology uses the energy of the sun (solar radiation) to provide buildings with hot water, space heating and space cooling. The power of the sun is captured through a ‘collector’ which heats up a fluid which is then integrated into the buildings’ hot water, central heating and (if applicable) air conditioning systems. The working fluid is stored in an insulated storage unit until it is needed to provide energy into the heating/cooling system of the building. Solar thermal energy has a broad application and can be used on a small scale for a single residential building or on a large scale for commercial/industrial buildings or district heating systems.
Example Modern Solar Thermal System
