Solar Heating

Solar energy is the energy in which the sun is the source. The radiation that we absorb from the sun can be beneficial to living things. Several technologies that make use of the solar radiation have been developed. Many of these can be applied in different fields. These technologies can be used at home, commerce or industry. The solar power systems have come into widespread use especially those in which the power supplies are absent. The manmade satellites that orbit the earth are a good example of technology in which it utilizes the solar power. Because of its location in space the solar energy is the main and only source of energy to power its sophisticated operation.

On earth, humans make use of the energy of the sun through a variety of ways. The technologies to convert the solar radiation for broader use have led into the development of solar heating.

Solar heating is the harnessing of energy from the sun to provide water heating. The solar heating systems can save electrical power, reduces utility costs and produces clean energy. Active solar-heating makes us of pumps that convey liquid or air from the solar panels or solar collectors. Another form of solar heating is the passive solar heating. This form does not require electrical or mechanical equipment. It depends on the structural design of a building to accumulate heat and convey it throughout the area.

The efficiency of solar heating systems has increased dramatically, making them attractive options for home or business use. Its reliability as an alternative to the conventional electrical power is helpful in reducing the consumption of fossils fuels for energy use. The latest technologies of solar heating have provided cost-effective, less expensive devises.

Several advanced concepts in solar heating show good prospects for future markets in energy consumption. Many research and development efforts could lead to cost-competitive energy options for several applications. This could also lead to better alternatives to the rising fossil fuel costs.

The technologies in solar heating are available for consumers and in business and industry. Solar heaters used in households can keep swimming pools warm, heat water or can warm the interior space at home. These systems are reliable and pollution-free. Some of these are:



Solar water heating system

These reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds. These minimize the cost of electricity or fossil fuel to heat the water and are good for the environment. The solar water heating system for buildings has two main parts: (1) solar water collector and (2) solar storage tank water heater. The flat-plate collector is the most common collector used in solar hot water systems.


The solar water heater utilizes the radiation from the sun to heat either water or a heat-transfer fluid in the collector. The heated water is then held in the storage tank ready for use, with a conventional system providing additional heating.

Solar Panel Pool Heaters

The solar panel pool heating apparatus collects heat that uses the pool filter system which pumps water from a pool though the solar collectors. The heat accumulated is then transferred to the water in the pool. Solar pool heating panels operate slightly hotter than the ambient temperature and use cheaper, low-temperature, unglazed panels made from scientifically- formulated thermoplastic materials.


Solar Space Heating

A solar space heater can consist of either a passive or active system or a combination of the two. Passive systems cost less and simple to install while an active system is a good option for collecting the sun’s energy when renovating a building.

Passive solar space heating uses the warmth of the sun though a design feature and material in the walls and floors. It ingests the warmth on daytime and releases it at night.

Active solar space heating consists of collectors that accumulates and sucks in the radiation of the sun using pumps to transport and distribute the solar heat.

Solar heating can also refer to the heating of any objects including buildings and cars hrough solar radiation. It depends on the solar radiation, area of the surface , surface reflectance, ambient temperature, surface emissivity,, and thermal convection from the wind. Humans and other living things benefit the most of the solar heating.