As you probably know, a solar heating system can save energy, reduces utility costs, and produce clean energy. There are a variety of ways to harness solar energy to provide heat. The primary applications today are:
Confusion About Solar Panels
Since there is some confusion about solar panels, I want to interject here that there is another way that heat can be produced by solar energy - that is through photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells convert sunlight into electricity, which could be turned into heat. However, as you might guess, this is a very inefficient use of the sun's energy. In this article, we will be discussing solar collectors, as opposed to PV cells. The term "Solar Panel" is commonly (and erroneously) used to refer to both types of systems, but the only thing the two have in common is the use of the sun's energy.
Here, we will strictly be talking about a solar heat collector systems, which transfer the sun's energy to a fluid - usually air or water.
The Future of Solar Heating
The efficiency and reliability of solar heating systems have increased dramatically, making them attractive options in the home or business. But there is still room for improvement. The federal government is working with manufacturers to design even more cost-effective solar heating systems and to improve the durability of materials used in those systems. This research is helping make these systems more accessible to the average consumer and helping individuals reduce their utility bills and the nation reduce its consumption of fossil fuels.
To help more Americans benefit from these systems, the U.S. Energy Policy Act implemented a 30% tax credit for consumers who install solar water heating systems.
More Information
The Solar Industry's Water Heater Bible - "Solar Hot Water Systems: Lessons Learned 1977 to Today" Solar Hot Water and Pool Heating Design / High Performance Low Maintenance Systems / Reality Checks Using Current Technology...a definitive how-to book for installing and maintaining high-performance and low-maintenance solar hot water systems -- written by one of the leaders in solar contracting today. More info at http://www.ECS-solar.com
Solar Hot Water Bible: Do-It-Yourselfers & Contractors - Learn from the solar water heaters industry leader
Sick of your Cold Pool? Swim year round affordably Pro Solar pool heater installations
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About the Author
John Horning specializes in reporting on do-it-yourself solar power projects and related topics. Visit his website at DIY-Solar-Power.net.
