How does Solar Thermal work?
Solar thermal is the simplest, most efficient way to harness the sun’s rays. Converting solar radiation into electricity requires photovoltaic cells arrayed on panels that feed a solid state inverter and two electric meters. Heating water involves a dark colored panel which laced with fluid-filled tubing that absorbs the sunshine, sending the heated fluid through a pipe to a coils in a heat exchanger which transfers the heat to water. That water, heated as high as 160 degrees, then feeds into the home’s existing hot water tank. When sufficient sunshine heats the water to the homeowner’s desired temperature, the water heater doesn’t even turn on and no electricity, fuel oil or propane is used and it costs nothing to heat the water. During periods when the sun hasn’t shined in a while, the water heater kicks on and ensures delivery of plenty of hot water. So the amount of fossil fuel or electricity used to heat water s dramatically reduced, typically 75%, paying for the cost of the solar
