Solar Thermal Collectors

Characteristics of solar thermal collectors

Solar water heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a water storage tank or interconnecting pipes and a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to the tank. The sun's energy is used to heat water flowing through the interconnecting pipes. The water can be heated for a wide variety of uses, including domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

Flat-plate solar thermal collectors consist of an insulated box which contains a dark absorber plate under a glass cover that hermetically seals the system while maximizing the energy input. The glass cover plate will transmit the sunlight while protecting the system from harsh weather.

Toughened, high transmittance glass is required for this application; our Pilkington Optiwhite™ is ideal for such applications.

For more information on our solar glass product range, please read our solar glass literature.