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==Availability of Solar Thermal Energy==
==Availability of Solar Thermal Energy==


[[Image:Insolation.png|thumb|Theoretical annual mean insolation, at the top of Earth's atmosphere (top) and at the surface on a horizontal square meter.]]
Direct [[solar]] heat gain is one of the most efficient ways to heat water (in terms of energy/waste), as it requires no energy conversion, unlike [[electric-resistance heating]] or [[fuel burning]]. It is a simple transfer and concentration of [[heat energy]] from one place to another.
[[Image:Solar_land_area.png‎|thumb|Map of global solar energy resources. The colours show the average available solar energy on the surface (as measured from 1991 to 1993). For comparison, the dark disks represent the land area required to supply the total primary energy demand using PVs with a conversion efficiency of 8%.]]


Hot water can be used for a number of applications, including sanitation (it's easier to wash a lot of things with hot water), and space heating.


Direct [[solar]] heat gain is one of the most efficient ways to heat water (in terms of energy/waste), as it requires no energy conversion, unlike [[electric-resistance heating]] or [[fuel burning]]. It is a simple transfer and concentration of [[heat energy]] from one place to another.


Hot water can be used for a number of applications, including sanitation (it's easier to wash a lot of things with hot water), and space heating.
[[Image:Insolation.png|thumb|Theoretical annual mean insolation, at the top of Earth's atmosphere (top) and at the surface on a horizontal square meter.]]
[[Image:Solar_land_area.png‎|thumb|Map of global solar energy resources. The colours show the average available solar energy on the surface (as measured from 1991 to 1993). For comparison, the dark disks represent the land area required to supply the total primary energy demand using PVs with a conversion efficiency of 8%.]]

Revision as of 03:39, 8 August 2007

Solarboiler.jpg
Solar heater.jpg

Introduction

Solar Hot Water describes active and passive solar technologies that utilize solar insolation – the sun’s naturally abundant and free solar thermal energy – in order to heat water for a desired application.

Availability of Solar Thermal Energy

Direct solar heat gain is one of the most efficient ways to heat water (in terms of energy/waste), as it requires no energy conversion, unlike electric-resistance heating or fuel burning. It is a simple transfer and concentration of heat energy from one place to another.

Hot water can be used for a number of applications, including sanitation (it's easier to wash a lot of things with hot water), and space heating.


Theoretical annual mean insolation, at the top of Earth's atmosphere (top) and at the surface on a horizontal square meter.
Map of global solar energy resources. The colours show the average available solar energy on the surface (as measured from 1991 to 1993). For comparison, the dark disks represent the land area required to supply the total primary energy demand using PVs with a conversion efficiency of 8%.
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