Solar panel heating system

There is a general understanding that by switching to solar energy you can save a significant amount on electricity and heating bills over the course of the year. This is certainly true, and while photovoltaic solar panels can generate a significant amount of power for your home or business, there is also a variety of solar panel heating systems to choose from to keep you and your water supply warm.

While photovoltaic solar panel systems are designed to take the power of the sun and turn it into electricity, panels of a different type are used to generate heat from the sun. These panels (also referred to as solar collectors) are flat-plate panels and evacuated tube panels. A third type, which is known as solar air heaters, is the thermal heater which can also efficiently warm air in your home or business.

When it comes to space heating (a room not water) solar panels are hugely efficient in their jobs, with some producing an 85% efficiency rating. There are two main types of systems that use solar panels: solar air heaters and liquid-based active solar heaters, which work in tandem with either flat-plate or evacuated tube solar panel water heating systems.

A solar air heater is amongst the simplest solar technology available, but it only supplements existing electrical heating systems. Basically, a solar panel (usually 6ft x 4ft) is mounted on a wall of a building where it is exposed most to the sun’s rays. The panel is made of high absorption black aluminium plates. Air from the room inside is drawn through the panel where it is warmed before being directed back into the room to heat it. Air continues to move in this cyclical manner via the laws of convection, maintaining heat throughout the day. Typically, air can be heated by as much as 50F.

Liquid-based solar heating sees closed-looped (indirect) water heating systems used to heat air and space. Flat-plate solar panels have a series of absorbent black painted plates that transfer heat from the sun to a liquid mix (usually water and anti-freeze) that runs through a network of tubing behind them. This liquid then flows into a water storage tank where the water inside is heated via a copper heat exchanger. Once the water is hot, it can be pumped through the home, either through a radiator system or an underfloor plumbing system, and in that way heat the building, room by room.

Evacuated tube panels comprise a series of glass tubes with smaller tubes sealed in a vacuum inside. The air in the space between the two tubes heats quickly thanks to the absorbent treatment applied to the outer one, and the liquid inside is heated quickly. Again it flows into the heat exchanger in a water storage tank where it heats the household water supply.

Heating your home or business through a solar panel heating system is a wise decision to make. It’s not unusual to see such systems pay for themselves in as little as six to eight years, and with a lifespan of as long as 20, it leaves a lot of time for ‘free’ heat.

Switching to solar energy for your heating needs is down to you, but it will certainly provide you with an opportunity to enjoy a cleaner, cheaper and happier lifestyle.

Solar Panel Heating System – Comment Below

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