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    Solar heating panels: Systems that reduce energy bills and enable lower carbon footprints

    Synopsis

    Solar heating panels are mainly used for fuelling radiant heating systems, absorption heat pumps/coolers and boilers comprising hot water radiators

    Team ProductLine
    What are Solar Heating Panels?
    Solar heating systems utilize the sun’s energy to heat liquids or gaseous fluids. The heat energy so produced is transferred either to a storage system or a designated interior space for future usage. In case, space heating provided by the installed solar heating panels is not enough then a back-up or auxiliary system is used for providing the extra heat. Typically, solar water heating panels are a cost-effective means of generating hot water for homes. They reduce energy bills and enable lower carbon footprints.

    How do Solar Water Heating Panels work?
    Solar heating systems used for heating water implement collectors for capturing the sun’s rays. These collectors or solar panels are fitted on to the roofs of residential or commercial establishments. The heat thus captured is utilized for heating water that’s stored in hot water cylinders. Immersion heaters or boilers are optionally used for further heating the water to achieve the desired temperature.

    Features of Solar Heating Panels
    1. Solar heating panels used for heating water are of two types - a) Flat plate collectors that can be integrated into rooftops or fixed on roof tiles. b) Evacuated tubes comprising of a collection of glass tubes that are mounted on roof tiles.
    2. Solar liquid collectors which are similar to solar water heating panels in domestic setups are useful for central heating.
    3. The absorption of solar heat in the heat collector takes place via heat transfer or the action of fluids such as water, antifreeze (in the form of propylene glycol) or other liquids used for the purpose.
    4. A circulating pump is operated to transfer the fluid across the collector.
    5. The heated liquid is made to flow to a heat exchanger/storage container for immediate use.
    6. Pipes, a heat exchanger, pumps, valves, a storage tank, an expansion tank and controls are some basic yet important components of a solar heating panel.
    7. Customized tanks made of stainless steel, high-temperature plastic or fibreglass (available in different sizes and weights) are used for storing the heated water.
    8. Solar air heating systems, used for heating homes and commercial spaces, pre-heat the air passing through heat recovery ventilators. Air heating is also possible via the air coils of heating pumps serving as the air-source.
    9. Solar air collectors are known to operate at reduced efficiency levels in comparison to solar liquid collectors.
    10. Air collectors reliant on solar heating panels are installed on the roofs of commercial and residential setups to heat rooms.

    Applications of Solar Heating Panels
    1. Solar heating panels are mainly used for fuelling radiant heating systems, absorption heat pumps/coolers and boilers comprising hot water radiators.
    2. Liquid and air solar heating systems are useful for supplementing forced air systems.
    3. Most solar air heating panels are useful as room air heaters. Transpired air collectors are now becoming popular in domestic setups.

    Reach out to Top Solar Panel Dealers near you and get free quotes
    ( Originally published on May 03, 2019 )
    Disclaimer : The above content is non-editorial and produced by a third party advertiser. Times Internet Limited/ Economic Times does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of the content or its genuineness. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change including depending upon offers given by Amazon.
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