Solar Hot Water Heating Systems

Abstract

Today, solar thermal systems are well established worldwide with an enormous potential for energy production and for high contribution to the future green energy system. Solar domestic hot water systems with natural circulation are most favorable in areas with a mean annual sum of global radiation on a horizontal surface above 1800kWh−2 year−1 and with collector areas up to 10m2. Forced circulation systems for flat-type solar collectors could be useful in colder climates and for large systems. The application of more complex solar collector technologies depends on the possible demands for higher temperature levels. Several examples concern some industrial applications, whose heat demands could now be met through solar energy. In all the cases, the next challenge is to swiftly make cost-effective all such devices and technologies.