How Solar Panels Work... just the basics

How solar panels work is very basic. Solar thermal panels capture free solar energy then transfers that heat to water or air.

The solar thermal panel is the heart of solar water heating systems and solar air heating.

Solar heat panels have been used since the early 1900's. Solar panels are often called solar collectors.

Solar water heating systems have been common in warmer climates of the southwest and Florida. During the 1980's home solar panels became popular but their dependability was poor.

Today solar technology is reliable and dependable. Solar panels are far superior to their predecessor’s common in the 1980’s.

The differences are improved materials make for durable, efficient and environmentally friendly solar heating system.

The technology advancement in pumps and controls make the solar water heater systems robust and very dependable.

Capturing Solar Thermal Energy

Sunshine comes through the car windows converting solar thermal energy into heat.

The cars' interior becomes extremely hot! The same principle applies to a solar heat panel.

The heart of a solar water heating system is the solar panel. The panel captures the Sun’s energy then transfers that heat to water or air.

For information about how solar power works I've found Solar Power Beginner a web site for people who are curious about solar power. It focuses on practical, easy-to-understand information.

Basics of Solar Thermal Panels

The absorber is surrounded with insulation to reduce solar heat energy loss and allow as much of the energy to reach the working fluid as possible.

Solar thermal panels are capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from sub-zero to temperatures as high as 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).

The diagram below show Flat Plate solar heat panel used for solar hot water. This panel is the work horse of the industry.