If every solar thermal panel type is placed together, then one common thing can be found. They all are said to convert sun’s energy into heat. There are few panels present that are glazed and are often expensive; however they are known to resist higher temperatures. The unglazed versions on the other hand is termed to be much more cost effective, efficient, however, are meant for lower temperatures.
Unglazed and glazed panels (how, where and what are they utilized for)
- Unglazed panels: It has been noticed that when a hose is left behind on a sunny day in the yard and water is run, the water warm for some time. It is how unglazed thermal solar panels are said to work. At the same time, several benefits are present, when longevity, combined with flow resistance is looked at. Several used panels are said to be unglazed and the temperatures required are just between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit for heating liquids above ambient air temp.
- Glazed heat panels: These are used in different configurations. However, it can find simple use like that of the garden hose however, with hose coil being placed in insulation, having glass in between. In case, water flows through glass box, it is expected to be efficient and get hotter than in air, since it prevents loss of heat. Going with glazed collectors can be a great idea, if the heat required is over 50 – 100 degree Fahrenheit above normal air temperatures.
Ways to diminish inefficiencies
The objective of using thermal solar panels is to produce maximum heat and to prevent losses. Several ways are present for reducing heat loss from the glazed models for conducting convection, conduction and radiation. For instance, a better way would be to have insulation on back and sides of the boxes to be increased and there is likely to be less conduction losses.
Others tend to make use of specific coating on surface to absorb radiation, preventing heat loss. With absorber present in coating, which is generally a black surface, very small heat is radiated outwards, thereby leading to fewer losses. In case, another glass layer gets added, then the losses are diminished by a huge margin, making it much more effective and efficient.
As a matter of fact, there is said to be more than a single way to create typical solar panel. It entirely depends on the individual and the requirements of his house.
