Solar Thermal Hot Water Kits

Unfortunately, the vast majority of us simply use our electricity without really thinking where it comes from, as long as it is in constant supply. The reality is that most of our electricity is generated through the burning of fossil fuels. These include natural gas, oil and coal, all of which emit harmful gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen dioxides that are known to harm the environment. An alternative is solar thermal energy (STE) which is both renewable and carbon-free.

Solar thermal energy (STE) is a system that effectively harnesses solar energy for the production of heat (thermal energy). The system incorporates solar thermal collectors that are generally classified as either low, medium, or high temperature collectors. The low-temperature type collectors are usually flat plates, which usually serve to heat swimming pools. The medium-temperature collectors are similar but are generally used in residential or commercial settings to heat water or air. Finally, high-temperature collectors harness sunlight through the use of lenses or mirrors and are usually used in electric power production. STE is significantly more efficient than its photovoltaic's counterpart, which produces electricity directly from solar energy.

Solar hot water systems are not only better for the environment but can also be installed on the roof of your home in a way that will complement the existing architectural style. These systems generally comprise three parts: solar hot water panels, a hot water cylinder and a heat transfer system. The panels will harness heat from the sun which is then transferred by the system to the hot water cylinder where the water is heated and stored. Complete solar thermal hot water kits are now available, providing everything you need to install your own system.