Päikesekollektor

Päikesekollektor, also known as a solar collector, is a device designed to absorb the sun's energy and convert it into usable heat. This heat is typically used for domestic hot water heating or space heating. There are several types of solar collectors, with flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors being the most common.

Flat-plate collectors consist of an insulated box with a transparent cover, a dark absorber plate, and fluid-carrying pipes. Sunlight passes through the cover and strikes the absorber plate, heating it up. A fluid, usually water or a mixture of water and antifreeze, circulates through the pipes, absorbing the heat from the plate and carrying it to a storage tank.

Evacuated tube collectors are more efficient, especially in colder climates. They consist of a series of glass tubes, each containing an absorber plate surrounded by a vacuum. The vacuum significantly reduces heat loss, allowing the collector to achieve higher temperatures. These collectors are often used for both domestic hot water and sometimes for space heating.

The collected solar energy can also be used in solar thermal power plants, where the heat is used to generate steam, which then drives turbines to produce electricity. While solar collectors are a renewable energy source and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, their effectiveness is dependent on the amount of sunlight available. Installation typically involves mounting the collectors on a roof or in an open area with good sun exposure.