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Solar Heating

As with other types of solar power, there are two types of solar heating available: passive and active solar. Passive solar heating has been used for centuries, and relies on architectural design rather than new technology such as the solar panel. Essentially, passive solar heating features a home that has been designed to receive sunlight efficiently, and built with carefully selected materials that most effectively heat and insulate the home. Once your house has been designed, you do not need any additional equipment to make use of passive solar heating.

However, when most people talk about solar heating, they are talking about active solar heating systems. A typical household heating system of this variety features a solar panel with a heat transfer fluid flowing through it.

Basically how it works is the transfer fluid transports the stored heat energy to a radiator or water tank in the house where it can be used. This transfer fluid is often just treated water. As with all solar panels, you will want to position yours in a place where it will receive direct sunlight throughout the day. The end process is heat taken from the panel and transferred to a storage container.

 

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