Solar Thermal: Pros and Cons – Part 1: Solar Heating and Cooling

 By RP Siegel | May 18th, 2012  

There is no perfect energy source. Each and every one has its own advantages and compromises. This series will explore the pros and cons of various energy sources.  Learn about other forms of energy generation here.

The term solar thermal has been used to describe two different types of systems. One is where solar panels are used to collect heat, which is used directly, as domestic or process hot water, space heating, or in some cases, air conditioning. This is really the most basic form of solar energy utilization, which is commonly known as solar heating and cooling (SHC). Technically, one could consider drying ones clothes on a clothesline at one end of the solar thermal energy spectrum, along with the passive solar energy that comes in through the window to warm your house on a cool spring day.

The other, very different type of system involves concentrating solar collectors focusing an intense beam on a vessel or pipe containing fluid, which is then converted to steam to drive an otherwise conventional thermal power plant. This is generally called concentrated solar power or CSP. We will cover this latter type in a separate post under the heading Concentrated Solar Power.

As for solar heating and cooling, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this sector grew by 14 percent in 2010. A total of 162 billion kWh of heat was collected, making this second only to wind, of the new, clean tech renewables.