Flat plate solar collectors | FAQs | Site Map | Product Catalog | Bookmark this site! 

Solar Home Home



Solar Panels


 

Home > Learning Center > Flat plate solar collectors

Flat plate solar collectors
click here to browse related products

Flat plate solar collectors
Flat plate solar collectors are a type of solar thermal collector. This means that they make use of energy from the sun for heating purposes. This is different from a photovoltaic solar panel, which uses sunlight to create electricity.

Typically, flat plate solar collectors are large, shallow, and insulated boxes which are placed on the roof. Each has a dark-colored absorber plate located at the bottom, and a glass or plastic cover up top (known as the "glazing.") The insulation exists to minimize heat loss.

As radiation from the sun hits the plate, it absorbs the heat. This heat is then used to warm fluid that runs through tubes located within the plate. With most flat plate solar collectors, this fluid is water. The main use for these thermal collectors is to provide hot water for residential buildings whose water usage has a high impact on energy bills. Laundromats, car washes, and eating establishments are commercial buildings which also commonly make use of this technology.



FREE Solar Evaluation

Solar Pool Heating


 


Jump to most popular search results:
Solar Panels | Lighting | Cells | Home Kits | Fountains | Security Kits | Outdoor Garden Lights | Battery Chargers | Pool Covers | Heaters | Residential Solar Panels | RV | Pumps | Home Security | Solar Power | Solar Sales Training

View Catalog | Security | Return Policy | Contact us | About us | Shipping | Solar Calculator | Tax Incentives | Information | Installers | Residential State by State
Copyright © 1998 - 2009

BP AEE Kyocera GE Evergreen Mitsubishi