Solar Thermal

Solar thermal collectors capture the sun’s heat for space heating or water heating. Most solar collectors are boxes, frames, or rooms that contain the following parts: clear covers that let in solar energy; dark surfaces inside, called absorber plates, that soak up heat; a liquid or gas medium, such as water or air, to transfer the solar thermal energy through pipes or vents to where it can be used; and insulation materials to prevent heat from escaping.

For solar water heating, sunlight strikes the absorber plate within the solar collector and heats a liquid that flows in tubes that are connected to the absorber plate. The liquid, either a heat-transfer fluid or potable water then transfers the heat through a heat exchanger and finally is collected and held in a storage tank until needed. The storage tank is typically a conventional water heater or a pre-heat tank that will provide back-up heating from electricity or fossil fuels when the solar energy is inadequate. A  solar water heating system can reduce the use of electrically or fossil fuel heated water by up to 80%.

The Delaware Energy Office is offering grants up to 50% of  the installation of solar thermal technologies. Link to Incentive Programs for instructions. Or for a list of contractors in the region, click here.

Also, check the Green Plains Energy, Inc. Calendar of Events for Workshops, Trade Shows and other events in your area.