Difference between revisions of "Solar Thermal"
m (→See Also) |
(add link to CAT) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | '''Solar Thermal''' systems use Solar energy to to provide heat (as | + | '''Solar Thermal''' systems use Solar energy to to provide heat (as opposed to Solar Photovoltaic systems which generate electricity). |
| − | There are a range of Solar Thermal technologies ranging from Solar Panels providing [[Domestic Hot Water]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_furnace Solar Furnaces]. For DIY purposes in the UK the main | + | There are a range of Solar Thermal technologies ranging from Solar Panels providing [[Domestic Hot Water]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_furnace Solar Furnaces]. For DIY purposes in the UK the main application is ''hot water'', although if using a thermal store to combine the output of solar panels with conventional sources (such as conventional boilers and/or electric backup heaters) and possibly other renewables (e.g. ground-source heat pumps and [[Drain Heat Exchanger|waste water heat recovery]]) they can contribute to space heating, via UFH and radiators, as well as DHW. |
Solar sytems vary widely in performance, cost, payback and practicality. Any prospective system should be properly evaluated before purchase and installation. Professional installations are on the whole less likely to pay their way, due to much higher initial cost. | Solar sytems vary widely in performance, cost, payback and practicality. Any prospective system should be properly evaluated before purchase and installation. Professional installations are on the whole less likely to pay their way, due to much higher initial cost. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Solar warm air systems and passive solar design, particularly where DIY-implemented, may be capable of more cost-effective results. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
| + | * [http://www.cat.org.uk The Centre for Alternative Technology] publishes information on energy conservation and renewable energy including Solar systems (although their advice on combining solar water heating systems with combi boilers omits certain options). | ||
* [http://www.builditsolar.com/ Builditsolar.com] gives an idea of the range of options and their uses, pros and cons | * [http://www.builditsolar.com/ Builditsolar.com] gives an idea of the range of options and their uses, pros and cons | ||
* [news:alt.solar.thermal] is a source of expertise and assistance on the subject | * [news:alt.solar.thermal] is a source of expertise and assistance on the subject | ||
Revision as of 16:45, 9 March 2007
Solar Thermal systems use Solar energy to to provide heat (as opposed to Solar Photovoltaic systems which generate electricity).
There are a range of Solar Thermal technologies ranging from Solar Panels providing Domestic Hot Water to Solar Furnaces. For DIY purposes in the UK the main application is hot water, although if using a thermal store to combine the output of solar panels with conventional sources (such as conventional boilers and/or electric backup heaters) and possibly other renewables (e.g. ground-source heat pumps and waste water heat recovery) they can contribute to space heating, via UFH and radiators, as well as DHW.
Solar sytems vary widely in performance, cost, payback and practicality. Any prospective system should be properly evaluated before purchase and installation. Professional installations are on the whole less likely to pay their way, due to much higher initial cost.
Solar warm air systems and passive solar design, particularly where DIY-implemented, may be capable of more cost-effective results.
See Also
- The Centre for Alternative Technology publishes information on energy conservation and renewable energy including Solar systems (although their advice on combining solar water heating systems with combi boilers omits certain options).
- Builditsolar.com gives an idea of the range of options and their uses, pros and cons
- [1] is a source of expertise and assistance on the subject
- Google Groups interface to alt.solar.thermal