Solar Thermal refers to the process of converting sunlight to heat. Swimming pools, homes and large buildings can use solar thermal technologies to heat water for pools, showers, heating systems and to melt snow off driveways.
Heating a building with solar energy requires solar collectors to be installed on the top of buildings to collect the solar energy and convert it into heat.
There are two types of solar water heating systems, passive and active. Passive panels contain tanks that water is stored in and heated throughout the day. When hot water is needed water is drawn from the panel into a heat source (water heater, tank-less water heater, etcetera) and then into the home.
Active solar panels operate on a closed loop system. Water is pumped into the active panels that contain tubes that heat the water as it passes through them. From there the water enters a heat exchanger in a storage tank and heats the water in that tank through direct heat transfer. When hot water is needed it is drawn from the storage tank into the home or into a heat source such as a water heater or tank-less water heater.
OTHER ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR HOT WATER HEATING
- Lower utility costs today, no future utility cost increases
- Provides additional hot water storage capacity for your home or business
- Green, clean, environmentally friendly energy source
- Very low to no operating maintenance expense
- Maintain regular hot water supply during electric utility outages
Solar pool panels work by transferring heat into your pool by circulating pool water through the solar panels. In most cases, the pool's existing pump is used to circulate the pool water through the panels. The water is continually circulated through the solar panels until the pool has attained the desired temperature. Solar pool heating can extend your swimming season by up to three months.
California Solar uses Heliocol solar panels for their durability and state of the art technology. Heliocol panels are designed to last a lifetime due to their
patented tube design which eliminates wear, maintenance, freezing caused by water build up, hurricane damage, allowing your roof to breathe. There are no clamps
or hoses used, each tube is directly secured to the head pipe and each tube has its own opening. Heliocol panels are approved by major property and casualty insurance carriers due to their ability to withstand hurricane winds. Their built-in "substrate" creates a space between the individual tubes and the roof which keeps the roof clean and dry. Heliocol solar pool heating system uses solar panels that are designed to complement the beauty of your home and to provide heat to your pool.
Solar panels contain solar cells that absorb sunlight through the photoelectric effect, and convert it directly into electricity, which can be used to power home or commercial buildings electrical systems. Solar cells are thin rectangular wafers, typically made of silicon. The cells are strung together to make solar panels. Solar Electric panels come in a variety of designs from standard framed modules to roofing and building integrated designs with new designs constantly emerging.
Radiant electrical and hydronic heating, also known as warm floor heating systems are a healthy and cost-effective alternative to conventional space heaters. Electric radiant heating cables or PEX tubing are attached to the subfloor and covered with a thin layer of lightweight concrete, which transfers heat to the room in much the same manner as a traditional radiator. Your wood or tile, or carpet flooring then covers the radiant heating system which is concealed eliminating the inconvenience and appearance of traditional heating systems.
Radiant heat regulates surface temperatures and air temperatures not just air temperatures like conventional heaters. With radiant heating, floors, furniture and all surfaces we come into contact with are warmer than or equal to the air temperature.
Stored energy systems can be used to reduce and eliminate many of the problems that arise from electricity failures, and increase the potential of renewable energy resources. Stored energy can come in many forms, such as photovoltaic energy stored in batteries and water stored in swimming pools.
During power outages stored energy in batteries, produced from photovoltaic panels, can act as a secondary source of energy and provide electricity. Batteries are also used with photovoltaic systems on cloudy and/or rainy days, therefore increasing use of renewable resources.
