We are increasingly looking for ecological energy sources for, for example, water or home heating. On the one hand, they are climate and environmentally friendly, but on the other hand, they turn out to be cheaper in the long run. It is therefore not surprising that solutions such as solar installations are becoming more and more popular.
The sun is a publicly available and, what is important in times of inflation, free source of energy. Technological progress allows us to use solar rays to convert them into electricity or heat energy. For example, an increasingly popular solution in single-family houses and other buildings is a solar installation , which is both an ecological and economical way to heat water - it can save up to 60% annually. energy needed for this.
Check out solar kits at the Onninen wholesaler
How does a solar installation work?
The simplest way to say that a solar installation is a system used to convert energy from solar radiation into thermal energy. With the help of a solar collector , it collects solar rays, which are then used in the building's heating system, the configurations of which can be varied. In this way, hot water can be obtained. Solar installations can also be easily used to heat swimming pool water. It can also be used to support home heating, but this is a less frequently used solution.
What does a solar installation consist of?
The main elements of a solar installation are solar collectors: flat and vacuum tube collectors. As mentioned above, they convert the energy of solar radiation into heat, which is used to heat water for washing and bathing, i.e. hot water - domestic hot water. Collectors heat "glycol" - a solar fluid that transports heat through pipes.
An extremely important element of the solar installation is the air vent. It should be located at its highest point, i.e. on the roof, next to the collectors. Depending on the design, it can operate automatically or manually. It is used to remove air from the installation during filling and use. Of course, once the bleeding process is completed, the vent must be closed.
A solar installation cannot be completed without piping, which can be made of interconnected or flexible stainless steel pipes. Pipes are run from the collectors to the hot water tank, and they should be insulated along their entire length to reduce heat losses. It must be resistant to high temperatures, reaching 150-170 degrees Celsius. It is most often made of rubber.
Another element of the solar installation is the pump group, also known as a pump set or something else. These are factory-assembled installation equipment elements, located in a thermally insulated housing. Depending on the model, they may consist of different elements. The main ones include:
- solar pump - the most important, central device of the pump set;
- dial thermometers;
- safety fittings: safety valve and pressure gauge;
- connection for a diaphragm expansion vessel;
- filling valve;
- other elements, depending on the type and model.
A solar installation is most often equipped with a bivalent hot water tank. Two heat exchangers, i.e. coils, are mounted to it. The main heat source, e.g. a gas, oil or solid fuel boiler, is connected to the one installed in the upper part of the tank, heating water in approximately half of the tank's capacity. In turn, the solar installation is connected to the lower coil - the collectors heat the utility water in the entire volume of the tank.
In addition, there are additional fittings, i.e. valve systems, as well as other elements of the solar installation, depending on its model, type and type.
The solar installation can be assembled from individual parts or purchased ready-made solar sets . A wide selection can be found in the hydraulic wholesaler Onninen.pl.
Products for solar installations available at the Onninen wholesaler
A very large selection of accessories for solar installations - i.e. various elements necessary for the proper installation and operation of the solar collector system - is offered by the Onninen.pl wholesaler. Its assortment includes all the necessary products: glycols, pipes, nuts, nipples, pipe holders, structures for mounting solar collectors, safety valves, connectors, rings for connection sets, gaskets and many others. Individual products are available at attractive prices.