Solar thermal hot water

Solar panels, also known as "collectors", can be fitted
onto or integrated into a building's roof. They use the
sun's energy to heat water, or a heat-transfer fluid,
which passes through the panel.

The fluid is fed to a heat store (e.g. a hot water tank) to
provide part of the hot water demand for the building.
Usually another heat source will be needed to
supplement collectors in winter months.

Solar panels can also be used to heat swimming pools.

_{Last site update: 30th June 2009}