Solar Heating

Solar thermal panels are powered by the sun. In addition to producing clean,
free energy, solar thermal panels can provide an excellent return on investment.

Two Types of Systems

There are two basic types of active solar heating systems, liquid or air. Liquid-based systems heat water or an antifreeze solution in their collectors. In air-based systems, the collector heats air. Both types of systems collect solar radiation and then transfer it directly to the building's interior or to a storage tank. Most thermal heating systems require a back-up heating system (because the thermal systems only capture radiation when the sun is shining).

Sizing Your Solar Heating System

In both home and commercial use, it generally makes sense to size a solar heating system to deliver between 40% and 80% of the building's heating requirement. A system that provides
less than 40% is seldom cost-effective. A system that provided 100% would be impractical
(and probably unaffordable).

Economics of Solar Heating

Because installing solar space heating requires extensive plumbing, it is most applicable to new construction or an extensive renovation. Solar water heating, on the other hand, can be adapted to a wide variety of existing structures and environments.

Solar space heating is most cost-effective in cold climates where a system can earn its keep throughout most of the year. Solar water heating can provide a good return on investment in any climate. Both solar space and solar water heating systems provide the best returns on investment when they reduce the need for expensive fuels (such as electricity, propane or heating oil).

Solar Heating And Your
Green Energy Roadmap

Solar heating is just one of the several dozen green energy technologies that can reduce your energy bill. While each of these technologies provides unique benefits, no single technology is a "magic bullet."

Getting the best return on your green energy investment requires integrating the most cost-effective combination of technologies possible. Consider solar heating as just one component of your Green Energy Roadmap.