Infrastructure
Hot Water Solar Collectors
Solar panels are devices that take advantage of the energy received by the Earth in the form of solar radiation.
Depending on what their main function is, solar panels can be divided into two different groups. The first one is the kind used to heat water; they are mainly for domestic use and are actually called solar collectors. They are the ones we usually see on the roofs of houses and buildings, they heat water through a closed circuit, which is then stored there until it is time to use it.
The other type of solar panels are photovoltaic, and their main use is in the production of electricity.
How do Solar heaters work?
Solar collectors heat water by absorbing the sun´s rays into copper pipes, where the water is kept. These pipes are completely hermetic and isolated. As the water circulates it gets warm and this way substitutes and saves electricity.
Solar systemes for Hotels
Since hotels have a high consumption rate for hot water, solar collectors are very favorable. Solar systems for hotels help save energy and money, additionally from protecting the environment. With each solar collector that is installed and used, it is possible to avoid the emission of 30 tons of CO2 and other harmful gases.
A solar panel is a device that collects solar cells. Even though each cell possesses a small amount of energy, several spread out over a large area can generate a considerable amount of power. To get the most energy cells must point directly at the sun.
FAQs
If the sun doesn’t come out, will we get hot water?
Solar collectors not only capture the sun’s rays on sunny days, diffuse radiation that exists on cloudy days is also used, but with slightly less effective results. On rainy or cold days, the energy deposit maintains the water at a constant temperature. However, if there are long periods of bad weather, the energy deposit may also have an electrical option which will kick in just when necessary, in order to maintain the ideal temperature.
How long do these solar equipments last?
With proper care and maintenance solar equipment can last over 20 years.
Is it possible to do without conventional energy sources (gas, electricity, etc.)?
For best results, solar energy must be combined with other conventional energy sources. These alternative sources are only required during bad weather periods. For this reason, electricity and gas costs are lowered considerably.
Environmental Impact
Solar energy is, like other renewable energies, clean and inexhaustible, with no negative effects on the environment and self sufficient. Like other clean energies, it contributes on the reduction of greenhouse effect-causing gases, and especially CO2.
Advantages
Environmental
No pollution: no emissions of CO2 and other harmful gases
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Doesn’t consume fuel
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Doesn’t generate waste
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Doesn’t produce noise
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Is renewable
Socio-Economic
Installation is simple
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It requires little maintenance
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Long life (up to 30 years)
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Resistant of adverse weather conditions, such as hail, wind, heat and humidity
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No dependence of fuel producing countries