Solar Air-Flat Glazed Panels

Solar air-flat glazed collectors are mainly used in solar space heating, and may be tied to forced air systems. They have some advantages over solar liquid-flat panels (they produce heat earlier and later in the day than liquid systems, they do not freeze and the negative consequences of eventual leaks are minimal) but they are also less efficient than liquid collectors, and aren’t as flexible in their applications.

Solar Flat Unglazed Panels

Solar-flat-unglazed collectors are used in swimming pools and simple house space heating (typically, solar air heaters with no heat storage, designed just to heat a room or a small part of the house). Unglazed panels are used in applications demanding low temperatures. They have a wide range of applications in sunny climates, where they can replace more expensive solar collectors.

Solar Collectors Choice

There are two main types of solar heating collectors:

- flat collectors (glazed and unglazed);
- evacuated-tubes collectors

Other types of solar collectors comprise: ICS (Integrated Solar) and concentrating panels. These last panels are rarely used in solar home applications.

Choosing the type of collector depends largely on climate conditions, price and on the type of application. Below we draw some some rough conclusions about the most suitable solar panels for several solar applications, taking into account the climate, price and type of application.

Solar Modules

Solar electricity involves a specific type of solar panels (mono crystalline, polycrystalline, thin film…) typically manufactured by large manufacturers as Sharp, Kyocera, Photowatt, BP Solar, or Mitsubishi...

SOLAR COLLECTORS AND SOLAR MODULES

The term solar solar collector refers to solar panels for hot water and air heating requirements. The type of solar collectors vary with the intended goal – water heating, radiant floor heating, pool heating, air space heating - and the climate where they are going to be applied.

Solar modules (also referred to as PV modules and solar generators) are used to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Drainback Solar Systems

Like anti-freezing systems, drainback solar systems are also specially conceived for cold climates. They offer lower maintenance and longer life and reliability, but they pose higher demands in terms of design.

Antifreezing Solar Heating Systems (Active-Closed Pressurized Systems)

Cold climates demand more complex systems. Batch/ICS systems are clearly inadequate in freezing conditions, and thermosyphon solar systems involve some limitations.

One of the most popular solutions for freezing climates comprises a relatively complex system with an antifreezing fluid (glycol, usually), a differential controller, an expansion and a storage tank, and a heat exchanger and sensors and valves.