Solar – Advice
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Useful information about solar thermal systems
Benefits of solar heat at a glance
- Solar energy is available in unlimited amounts, free of charge
- Solar energy is environmentally responsible – unlike fossil fuels
- The expansion of solar thermal systems is being subsidised by public funds
- Solar thermal systems increase property values
- Solar thermal systems mean greater independence from energy prices
Domestic hot water coverage with solar energy
In German latitudes, solar energy can be used to cover 70 % of a household's annual domestic hot water demand. In the summer months, the entire domestic hot water demand can be covered by the solar thermal system alone. In conjunction with a heat pump, the domestic hot water demand can be covered in winter too.
How a flat-plate collector works
All solar thermal systems require a solar collector that converts the light that strikes it (global radiation) into heat. Flat-plate collectors comprise a transparent cover, an absorber, a collector tray and thermal insulation. The absorber is simply a copper panel, which absorbs the light, converts it into heat and transfers the heat to the heat transfer medium. The medium flows through pipework located behind the panel. It is carried from the collector to the cylinder, passes through the large indirect coil inside the cylinder and transfers the heat to the water in the cylinder.