päikesekütteks

Päikeseküte is the Estonian term for solar thermal energy utilization, specifically referring to the technology that uses sunlight to heat water or other fluids. This renewable energy source harnesses the sun's radiation to produce thermal energy, which can then be used for domestic hot water supply, space heating, or even industrial processes. The core components of a typical päikeseküte system include solar collectors, a storage tank, and a distribution system.

Solar collectors are designed to absorb solar radiation and transfer the heat to a fluid circulating within them. There are several types of collectors, with flat-plate collectors and vacuum tube collectors being the most common for päikeseküte. Flat-plate collectors consist of a dark absorber plate within an insulated casing, covered by a glass or plastic cover. Vacuum tube collectors use evacuated glass tubes, which offer better insulation and higher efficiency, especially in colder climates.

The heated fluid from the collectors is then pumped to a storage tank, usually an insulated hot water tank. This tank stores the thermal energy until it is needed. In colder months or during periods of low sunlight, a backup heating system, such as a conventional boiler, is often used to supplement the solar-heated water. The distribution system then delivers the hot water to where it is required within a building. Päikeseküte is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating needs.