Generation Solar Renewable Energy Systems

The collectors



	Two collectors on a roof

In some solar hot water (SHW) systems the storage tank is heated directly by the sun, however, the great majority of systems use separate collectors.

The most common type of collector is called a flat plate collector. The thicker tubes at the top and bottom of the collector are called headers.

A transfer medium is heated by the sun as it enters the lower header and travels up through the thin connecting tubes - called risers - to the upper header.

Temperatures in the collectors can easily reach 95 degrees Celsius.

System components

SHW systems range from quite simple summer-only to more complex year-round designs.

Besides the collectors and plumbing materials, the following are some common components, particularly in year-round systems:

1. Transfer medium

This can be either water or a non-freezing fluid, which is heated as it passes through the collectors.

2. Pump

Most SHW systems pump the transfer medium between the collectors and the heat exchanger or storage tank.



	A PV panel means total independence

3. PV panel

Often a small photovoltaic (PV) panel (which converts light into electricity) powers the pump.

4. Heat exchanger

SHW systems that circulate a non-freezing fluid through the collectors transfer that heat into the water supply by means of a heat exchanger.

5. Storage tank

In most cases, the hot water is stored in an insulated tank until it is needed.

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