View: An Intro to Solar Thermal
This resource includes the following information:
What
is Solar Energy? As best defined by the Frankin Dictionary:
Solar energy is the electromagnetic radiation generated by the sun. Solar energy may be converted to useful forms of energy through the photovoltaic process, thermal conservation, or through high temperature concentrators and collectors. Solar energy initially is usually captured in the form of heat, and is therefore best used for a variety of heating purposes.
The most common applications of solar thermal energy are heating swimming pools, heating water for domestic use, and space heating of buildings.
Example of Solar Panels
Where is Solar Energy?Solar energy is fascinating! Sunlight consists of tiny particles of pure energy (photons). The sun emits billion of photons every second which travel very quickly to the earths surface, traveling the 93 million miles in less than 8 minutes. When these particles hit the ground they convert most of their energy into heat. Although only a small percentage of the energy that the sun radiates into space ever reaches the earth, it is more than enough to supply all our earth energy needs.
Solar energy may be captured anywhere and will vary according the climates of the country and region. Applications may range from small-scale solar panel to complex systems.
Solar energy is a cost effective approach to:
Heating buildings
Heating pools
Heating greenhouses
Heating water
Cooling buildings
Solar heating panels in windows | Heating water with Solar |
 |
 |
Heating a pool with Solar |
Heating water with Solar |
 |
 |
Domestic Hot Water
Pool heating
Space Heating
Process Hot Water
Solar energy unlike other forms has ZERO emissions and although there are initial costs the overall maintenance fee is low and the return on investment high.
Solar Water Heating is used for domestic hot water, pool heating, space heating and in commercial applications for process hot water.
In all cases the water temperature is moderate - between 40°C and 60°C (104°F and 140°F) – as solar collectors are more efficient at lower output temperatures from the collector.
The amount of hot water provided from solar energy will depend on the type and size of the system, the climate and the quality of the site in terms of solar access.
Direct heating of water from solar energy is a very appropriate use of solar energy as the energy can be collected directly as heat, with no intermediate conversion processes.
Unlike photovoltaic modules, solar collectors absorb energy from the sun in both the visible and non-visible portions of the spectrum.
Q: What is the average heat temperature of water when heated with solar energy?
40-60° C
95° C
10° C
Q: What percentage of solar energy is visible light (approximately)?
50%
5%
95%
A. The annual solar average in Canada actually exceeds that of the worlds leading countries in solar energy usage - Germany and Japan.
Solar Is Efficient
The efficiencies of solar hot water heating systems exceed that of many natural gas boilers. Photovoltaic systems run at a similar efficiency rating as portable generators - but without the pollution and maintenance needs.
Solar Is A Proven And Powerful
Solar energy technology is actually older than fossil fuel technology. The ancient Greeks used passive solar heating to keep their homes warm as early as 1500 BC. There were solar hot water heating systems installed in North America as early as 1892.
Solar Can Make A Significant Contribution
It is estimated that passive solar already supplies over 15% of the average home owner's heating needs in Canada - and this is without most homes being designed to take advantage of the sun's energy. An average solar domestic hot water heating system will reduce conventional heating needs by 30 - 60%, while a solar pool heater can supply 100% of the summer heating needs.
A. Complete a search on through the “energy” database available on this site
... click the link for "Renewable Database" located on the HomePage
Click here for additional questions
