Solar collector

Solar collectors, although often associated with the generation of energy from the sun, have a different function than photovoltaic systems in the context of photovoltaics. While photovoltaic systems convert solar radiation directly into electrical energy, solar collectors aim at collecting and converting solar radiation into thermal energy.

Solar collectors are devices that absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. This heat is then used to heat water, air, etc.

There are different types of solar collectors, such as flat plate collectors, tube collectors or vacuum collectors, each type having its own specific characteristics and applications.

Flat plate collectors are the most common type and consist of a dark, heat-absorbing surface that is placed under a transparent cover. This surface absorbs the sunlight and transfers the heat to a fluid pipe that is integrated in the collector. This fluid, often water or a frost-resistant mixture, is then circulated into the system for water heating or other thermal uses.

Vacuum collectors are more efficient in colder conditions and are made up of a series of vacuum tubes that house the absorbent material. This design minimises heat loss and allows more efficient collection of solar radiation.

Solar collectors therefore have the primary objective of generating heat rather than electricity and are often used in domestic water heating systems or in district heating systems in buildings and industrial applications.