SOLAR HEATING
The device that captures SOLAR HEAT is known as a SOLAR COLLECTOR and it transfers heat to water most commonly for hot water production, or where a building has a very low heat demand, then for both space heating and hot water. Larger scale active SOLAR THERMAL technologies can also be used for cooling and steam production. Steam produced in this way can be used to drive turbines for electricity production.Heating either water or air can be produced by Active solar heat technology. Air heating solar collectors can be used to directly assist with space heating through the ventilation system of the building. Solar air systems are of greater benefit in domestic airtight houses with low energy demands. Water heating solar collectors are the most commonly encountered of the two.
Using Solar Heating
On average home Heat accounts for a large portion of the energy needs which can be as high as 80% of energy bills. Of course the availability of solar heat depends on the sun. In Ireland, we have a solar resource comparable to that in Germany. The use of SOLAR HEAT relies on heat storage because solar energy availability fluctuates both from day to night, seasonally and as a result of the weather. It is important that any energy available is collected and stored so that it can be used when heat is needed.
Solar Thermal For Hot Water
The use of active solar heating technology is most commonly used for hot water. In domestic situations, solar thermal can provide 50-60% of the annual hot water requirement of home.
Solar Thermal For Space Heating And Hot Water
Where the heat demand is low, then solar heat can be used to provide a larger portion of the overall heating and hot water requirement (20-40%). A low-temperature heat distribution system such as underfloor heating is advantageous when using solar thermal for space heating, as it does not require high temperatures, and therefore solar can provide more useful heat.
WHERE CAN SOLAR HEAT BE USED
Solar Heating can investigated and used wherever there is a demand for heat.
Solar Heating At Home
The most common application of SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY is SOLAR WATER HEATING. Solar panels, which are usually located on a south-facing roof, transform solar radiation into heat.
The heat produced during the day is stored in a large hot water cylinder, so that it can be used at any time. SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS are generally sized to cover 50 to 60% of a household's hot water. SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS will provide almost all of your house's hot water needs during the summer.
Based on the same type of components is the SOLAR COMBI-SYSTEM sized to make a useful contribution (30 to 40%) to total heating requirement of the house (space and water heating). Careful analysis on the requirement of heating in the home by an experienced technician is needed to caculate the the sizing and design of a SOLAR COMBI-SYSTEM.
As it is not feasible to depend on SOLAR ENERGY at all time in IRELAND, a SOLAR WATER HEATER or a SOLAR COMBI-SYSTEM needs a back-up heating system such as a boiler, a heat pump or an electric heater.
For further information on SOLAR HEATING in work please call 045 864899 or complete our Contact us form.
Solar Energy In Work
Although SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS are most common in homes, the same technology can be applied cost-effectively for larger applications where there is a significant demand for heat. Where the heat demand is high during the summer when the solar output is at its highest. Examples are Hotels, swimming pools, nursing homes etc. In large applications, ACTIVE SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS are generally designed to cover 30 to 40% of the heat demand. As the price of energy continues to rise, a SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM can reduce your running costs and provide an excellent return on investment for your business.
