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Thermal solar panels
13. 1. 2025
Would you like to save the environment, cut down on energy costs, and gain at least some independence from energy supplies? Solar thermal panels might be the solution. In the Middle Europe, they can cover about 60-80% of all thermal energy consumption for households, providing users with a source that's solely reliant on sunlight.
The Function of Thermal Solar Panels
Both photovoltaics and solar thermal technology fall under solar systems. If you're thinking about generating electricity, go for photovoltaic panels for your home. However, for heating and hot water heating, solar thermal collectors will do just fine. The equipment is most commonly placed on the roof of the house, where it absorbs sunlight and converts it into thermal energy that you can use in your home.
Thermal panels use various antifreeze mixtures to convert sunlight into heat. Just like photovoltaic systems, thermal panels are made in a dark shade to absorb as much light as possible.
Installation always requires assessment and supervision by a professional since it's a more significant load on the roof and the overall structure of the house compared to photovoltaic panels. It’s also essential to position solar thermal collectors in a way that they're effective all year round, thanks to the ideal angle and layout. Since solar thermal panels in the Czech Republic primarily capture sunlight during the summer, their angle needs to be set so that they'll absorb the maximum amount of rays at that time.
The device generating thermal energy is connected to the appliances via cables.
Practical Use
The systems primarily heat homes, water, and even pools. They've been known to the public since the last century, but they've only really started gaining popularity in recent years. More and more households are choosing to install thermal systems for their eco-friendlier operation.
The number of collectors needed for a building mainly depends on the heating demands. Generally, 1 to 1.5 square meters of panels is enough for one person. According to EO.N in their guide, you can save up to 50 Euros a year on solar thermal panels compared to conventional electric water heating with your boiler. In such a case, your investment can pay off in about seven years, and the panels typically last much longer, usually between 20 and 25 years.
The system also comes equipped with a hot water and heat storage tank. The energy captured is then used for later purposes, meaning the system has minimal losses. Heat losses also vary depending on the chosen type of solar thermal panel technology.
Types of Panels:
Even though you need to invest a significant amount of money in installation, over time the investment pays off through energy savings. Solar thermal systems can also last for decades in operation.
The Function of Thermal Solar Panels
Both photovoltaics and solar thermal technology fall under solar systems. If you're thinking about generating electricity, go for photovoltaic panels for your home. However, for heating and hot water heating, solar thermal collectors will do just fine. The equipment is most commonly placed on the roof of the house, where it absorbs sunlight and converts it into thermal energy that you can use in your home.
Thermal panels use various antifreeze mixtures to convert sunlight into heat. Just like photovoltaic systems, thermal panels are made in a dark shade to absorb as much light as possible.
Installation always requires assessment and supervision by a professional since it's a more significant load on the roof and the overall structure of the house compared to photovoltaic panels. It’s also essential to position solar thermal collectors in a way that they're effective all year round, thanks to the ideal angle and layout. Since solar thermal panels in the Czech Republic primarily capture sunlight during the summer, their angle needs to be set so that they'll absorb the maximum amount of rays at that time.
The device generating thermal energy is connected to the appliances via cables.
Practical Use
The systems primarily heat homes, water, and even pools. They've been known to the public since the last century, but they've only really started gaining popularity in recent years. More and more households are choosing to install thermal systems for their eco-friendlier operation.
The number of collectors needed for a building mainly depends on the heating demands. Generally, 1 to 1.5 square meters of panels is enough for one person. According to EO.N in their guide, you can save up to 50 Euros a year on solar thermal panels compared to conventional electric water heating with your boiler. In such a case, your investment can pay off in about seven years, and the panels typically last much longer, usually between 20 and 25 years.
The system also comes equipped with a hot water and heat storage tank. The energy captured is then used for later purposes, meaning the system has minimal losses. Heat losses also vary depending on the chosen type of solar thermal panel technology.
Types of Panels:
- Flat unglazed solar thermal panels - They have high heat losses and are more suitable for pools.
- Flat glazed solar thermal panels - Reduced heat losses and suitable for homes.
- Vacuum tube collectors - Very high efficiency and very low heat losses.
- Flat vacuum panels - Low heat loss, but high costs.
Even though you need to invest a significant amount of money in installation, over time the investment pays off through energy savings. Solar thermal systems can also last for decades in operation.