Alternative Heating - Solar Heating and Cooling
Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available, and the U.S. has some of the richest solar resources in the world. Modern technology can harness this energy for a variety of uses, including generating electricity, providing light or a comfortable interior environment, and heating water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.
How Does SHC Work
SHC systems trap the heat from the sun (solar radiation) and transfer the heat to water or air for use as thermal energy.
Solar space heating systems are similar to solar water heating systems, but generally involve more solar collectors, larger storage units, and a more sophisticated design. These heating systems can use a non-toxic liquid, water, or air as the heat-transfer medium from the solar collector. The heated liquid or air is then circulated throughout the building or home to provide space heating. Another solar space heating technology uses transpired solar collectors along a building’s exterior south-facing wall. The perforations in these collectors allow air to pass through and be heated. This solar-heated air is then channeled into the building’s ventilation system.
Solar energy can also be used to generate cool air. There are two kinds of solar cooling systems: desiccant systems and absorption chiller systems. In a desiccant system, air passes over a common desiccant or “drying material” such as silica gel to draw moisture from the air and make the air more comfortable. The desiccant is regenerated by using solar heat to dry it out. Absorption chiller systems, the most common solar cooling systems, use solar water heating collectors and a thermal-chemical absorption process to produce air-conditioning without using electricity. The process is nearly identical to that of a refrigerator, only no compressor is used. Instead, the absorption cycle is driven by a heated fluid from the solar collector.
Why Is The SHC Important
Solar heating and cooling technologies can displace the need for natural gas, fuel oil, and electricity to heat homes and businesses, thereby reducing the dependence on imported fuels.
Did You Know
Solar water heating systems are affordable for families. The return on investment can be as little as three to six years. Commercial systems help companies reduce and manage their energy bills, managing long-term costs. Meanwhile, fossil fuel prices fluctuate considerably and are expected to rise significantly over the next decade.
Water heating, space heating, and space cooling accounted for 72 percent of the energy used in an average household in the U.S. in 2010 - representing a huge market potential for solar heating and cooling technologies!
In 2010, the U.S. saw 35,464 solar water heating systems and 29,540 solar pool heating systems installed, heating a total of more than 65,000 homes, businesses, and pools.
All information was obtained from the Solar Energy Industries Association. For more information on solar energy visit www.seia.org.
