There are two kinds of solar collectors:
- solar thermal collectors, that make heat, usually in the form of a warm liquid, and
- photovoltaic collectors, that make electricity.
Unfortunately photovoltaic collectors are much more expensive than thermal collectors,
and they are considerably less efficient. It is almost never a good idea
to make electricity with photovoltaic collectors and then use the electricity
to make heat. You should have used a solar thermal collector in the first
place.
Solar photovoltaic electric systems will have an important place in our future
energy mix, but they are not a good way to make a lot of heat, and they
will not be in the foreseeable future. It is our opinion that electricity
is a premium energy source, and its use should be reserved for end uses
that require its unique qualities and properties, and where its expense
can be justified. Radiantec,
http://www.radiantec.com, is a solar thermal company. We
suggest that you consult with Solar
Works Company for your photovoltaic needs. Their website is
http://www.solar-works.com/
Most of the energy that a typical residential household consumes is used for
simple thermal tasks such as space heating, the production of domestic
hot water and cooling. A simple solar thermal system is most appropriate
for these needs.
There are several simple solar thermal systems described at
http://www.radiantsolar.com/options_index.php
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