How does the conversion of solar energy to heat in a glycol-based system work?
Solar radiation hits the absorber (solar thermal panel) and is then transmitted to the heat transfer medium (glycol, usually) and converted to heat. The vacuum plus the insulation provided by layers of the absorber assure that heat remains in the solar thermal system. Solar thermal systems with glycol use a composite tube that is made up of a jacket tube and absorber tube. Since these are made completely of glass, they are well-protected against degradation.
