Hot water solar panels, also known as solar water heating systems, work by capturing solar energy and using it to heat water.
The Process Explained
Here's a breakdown of how these systems function:
- Solar Collection: Solar water heating systems use panels or tubes, called solar collectors, to gather solar energy.
- Energy Conversion: The solar collectors convert the infra-red portion of visible light into heat.
- Fluid Heating: These collectors are filled with a mix of water and glycol. This fluid absorbs the heat.
- Circulation: The heated fluid is then pumped round a circuit.
- Water Heating: This circuit passes through the hot water cylinder, transferring the heat to the water stored within.
In essence, solar water heating systems directly harness solar energy to provide hot water for various uses, relying on the efficiency of solar collectors and a heat transfer process.
