Active Solar

Active Solar

Active solar systems use solar collectors and a pump or fan to distribute the sun's energy. Active systems are best suited to heating water. The collector is a dark colour to absorb the sun's energy and converts it into heat. Some collectors have glass covers, and collect solar energy year round. Unglazed collectors are typically used for seasonal applications such as swimming pools.

Domestic hot water needs can be met at least in part by active solar systems. In most cases solar energy will only provide some hot water needs in winter, but most of summertime needs. On average, it can provide 50 to 60% of annual domestic hot water needs. In most applications the solar system is used as a preheater for city or well water going to the conventional water heater

Outdoor swimming pools can be entirely heated by solar systems, thus eliminating the need for any auxiliary heater. These systems have a short payback. Plumbing can be connected directly to the pool's filtration system, so there is minimum added equipment that has to be installed.