Solar collectors capture the solar thermal energy that emits out from the sun and reaches to solar collectors. Solar collectors usually work with their heat. On the other hand, Solar Photovoltaic panels work with sunlight. The term photovoltaic means sunlight conversion into electricity.

Working of Solar Collectors

Thermal energy of sun can also be used for electricity generation. However, this function is done in an indirect way. Each solar power plant contains collectors; these collectors are used to heat water. Heated water produces steam that drives turbines. The turbines are attached to electrical generator that creates electricity.

Applications of Solar Collectors

Solar collectors offer different applications for home usage. For example, solar collectors are used for pool heating. Also, they are used for water and space heating within the home.

Heating Application of Solar Collectors

Currently, heating is by far the most cost effective application of solar technology. It is cost effective because heating devices are cheaper than those devices that are used to generate electricity. Most of the widespread PV options contain silicon in their panels. Silicon is widely available and due to its abundance it makes heating devices cost effective.

Good Points of Solar Collectors

Luckily, solar collectors are available at affordable prices. Consumers can recover the entire investment within only few years when they use solar collectors for solar pool heating. For home usage, water heating systems are also very beneficial.

Types of Solar Collectors

There are two types of solar collectors that are readily available. These are liquid and air based collectors.  

The classification of these two types of collectors is usually done on the basis of the basis of their temperature needs. They are classified into low, medium and high collectors.

Low Temperature Collectors

Low temperature collectors are used for heating needs that range between 5 to 30 degrees above the temperature of surrounding environment. These collectors are most commonly used for swimming pool heating. These solar collectors are readily available in plastic material. However, plastic is not ideal choice for sunny areas, as it deteriorates in the sun quickly. Metal solar collectors are the better choice than plastic ones.

Which is he Most Cost Effective of these System Levels?

Systems that use aluminum plates for absorption and copper for water circulation are the most cost effective of these system levels. Conductive property of copper is very high and it is highly compatible wit water.

Medium Temperature Solar Collectors

These collectors provide heating between 15 and 200 degrees anywhere. These collectors are basically used for water and space heating within the home. These collectors use one or two glazes, which are glass or plastic cover that are used to cut down heat loss. They are very useful in cold air conditioning systems.

High Temperature Collectors

These collectors are most commonly used for specialized purposes like electricity generation. Efficiency of these collectors can be improved with the help of tracking systems.

The design of both the lower and the medium temperature ranges are of the flat-plate. While, high temperature collectors may be of different styles. These styles include trough and parabolic dish reflector. These collectors can be modified as well.