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Solar collectors
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Solar collectors are used to capture the solar thermal energy of the sun. This means they work with its heat. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, on the other hand, deal with sunlight. The term, “photovoltaic” refers to the conversion of light into electricity.
It is possible for the thermal energy of the sun to also be used to generate electricity. However, this function is performed in more of an indirect way. Within a solar power plant, collectors are used to heat water. The water produces steam, which drives a turbine. The turbine is connected to an electrical generator, creating electricity.
There are a few different applications of solar collectors for the home as well. For instance, they can be used for pool heating. They are also used for space heating as well as water heating within the home.
Currently, heating is the most cost-effective application of solar technology. This is because the devices used to create electricity are more expensive than those used for heating. Most widespread photovoltaic options use silicon in their panels. This material is widely abundant, which makes it low-cost. Unfortunately, processing it is much more expensive.
Solar collectors are significantly less expensive. When used for solar pool heating, owners commonly pay off their investments with savings within a few years. Luckily, these systems will last over ten times longer. This means that the energy savings may easily surpass the initial cost at least ten times over. Water heating systems for the home are also highly beneficial.Both liquid- and air-based collectors exist. They are generally classified into the temperature needs for which they are designed and can meet. The three classifications are low, medium, and high.
Low temperature options provide for heating needs that are five to thirty degrees above the surrounding temperature. These are the ones generally used for swimming pool heating. It is common to find such solar collectors created from plastic. However, this material choice deteriorates in the sun much more quickly than other choices. For that reason, a person may be better off purchasing a metal style.
The most cost effective of these system levels is one that incorporates aluminum plates for absorption and copper for moving the water. Copper is a highly conductive material. It is also very compatible with water.
Medium temperature collectors may provide anywhere from 15 to 200 degrees of heating. These are the types used for space and water heating within the home. These may utilize one or two glazes. A glaze is a glass or plastic cover used to reduce heat loss. They are especially useful in cold air conditions.
High temperature collectors are mostly used for specialized jobs, including the generation of electricity. Their efficiency is commonly increased through tracking systems. When mounted in such a fashion, the collectors are continually reoriented too better face the sun and absorb its rays.
The collectors for the lower and medium temperature ranges are usually of the flat-plate design. For high temperature needs many other styles are utilized. These include parabolic dish reflector and trough types. Modified versions of these are also a possibility.
