Solar thermal energy is an ideal addition to any conventional hot water system and can be easily integrated. Modern solar thermal systems are designed to last 20 years or more and are far more energy efficient than conventional heating technology. A solar thermal system consists primarily of the following components:

The Collector

The collector, which is normally installed on the rooftop, represents the key component of a solar thermal system. It consists of specially coated tubing that is used to absorb the solar radiation and to convert it into heat. To minimize thermal losses, this tubing is embedded in a heat-insulated container equipped with a transparent cover. A heat-transfer fluid (usually a mixture of water and ecologically-safe anti-freeze) flows inside the tubing and circulates between the collector and hot water tank.

The Solar Controller

Solar thermal systems are operated by a solar controller. Once the temperature at the collector rises several degrees above the temperature in the storage tank, the solar controller switches on the circulation pump and the heat-transfer fluid transports the heat accumulated in the collector to the hot water tank.

The Hot Water Tank

There are two basic kinds of tanks. Drinking water storage tanks are used for heating drinking water and consist of steel tanks that are filled with drinking water and equipped with two heat exchangers.
Combination storage tanks are used for both drinking water and supplying heating systems. They have two internal tanks to keep the water separated. The solar thermal circuit is connected to the lower heat exchanger. The boiler connects to the upper heat exchanger.