Active vs. passive solar water-heating systems for solar energy
Every solar water-heating system features a solar collector that faces the sun to absorb the sun’s heat energy. This collector can either heat water directly or heat a “working fluid” that’s then used to heat the water. In active solar water-heating systems, a pumping mechanism moves heated water through the building. In passive solar water-heating systems, the water moves by natural convection. In almost all cases, solar water-heating systems work in tandem with conventional gas or electric water-heating systems; the conventional systems operate as needed to ensure a reliable supply of heated water.
Other types of systems for capturing solar energy:
- Photovoltaic systems, commonly called PV systems
- Concentrating solar power systems, commonly called CSP systems
- Transpired solar collectors, commonly called solar walls