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A solar collector is a key component in building a sun powered
energy system. They can provide many different function, but
they are generally used to either heat air or water or to
provide solar electricity.
This article will discuss the different types of solar
collectors and how to build a solar collector.
A solar collector to create power or electricity is commonly
known as a solar cell or residential solar panel.
Professionally manufactured solar panels use titanium oxide to
create electricity. A home made system can be made by using
cuprous oxide, which is basically copper that has been burnt on
a burner until it has oxided with the oxygen in the air,
forming a conductive crust. Cuprous oxide is not as conductive
and titanium oxide but is much cheaper and easier to get.
A solar collector for heating air uses a “greenhouse” effect to
heat the air. Air is moved through a series of pipes in to a
highly insulated area with black reflective material and a
clear window to allow sunlight to penetrate. This setup will
heat the air quickly as the enclosed space and black material
will reflect the sunlight around and absorb heat. Pipes and
ducts can then move the hot air to other areas of the home or
building.
A solar collector for heating water works in a similar way.
Water is moved around pipes to the solar collector, which rests
in an area with ample sunlight. This is usually the roof but
can be other areas as well. The sunlight is focused to the
water in the pipes using a transparent material until it is
heated sufficiently. Piper then take the water away to other
parts of the home or building where is is needed.
A solar collector for a pool is probably the most common usage
of solar collectors. Pools generally receive a good amount of
light and so a solar collector is an efficient addition. The
pool water circulates through the solar collector and is warmed
by the heat of the sun through a focused transparent window.
These systems are much simpler as the water here does not need
to be as insulated.
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