Today's solar power house can utilize one or more distinctly viable solar system technologies.  Solar heat can keep swimming pools warm and be used to heat a significant portion of the hot water and interior heating needs in the home. Solar-heating systems are today very reliable, adaptable, and pollution-free because they use renewable energy from the sun.  And, they are increasingly cost-competitive with fossil-fuel generated utilities for three primary reasons: steadily decreasing costs of solar components; "green energy" government financial inducements foe installations; and the availability of quality, low cost do-it-yourself packages.

Simply put,  solar heating uses the sun's heat to heat air or water, which can be used for those type of applications mentioned above. Active solar-heating uses pumps that move air or liquid from the solar panel (aka collector) directly to a load (such as the home interior space for heating or hot water system) or to storage for later use. Passive solar systems can function in one of two ways: by using the design and structure of the house to collect and distribute heat throughout the home; or by using a solar panel and storage tank system that functions without the use of electric pumps and controllers.  Water in these type systems is naturally circulated between solar panels and a storage tank by gravity and thermosyphon as the water is heated.

Many systems use attractive, sleek, low-relief flat-plate solar panels that are difficult to distinguish from a skylight.  Flat-plate collectors are the most commonly used solar panel for both air and water systems used in solar home heating and producing solar hot water for domestic use.  Flat-plate panels are an insulated metal box containing a dark-colored absorber plate which is topped with a glass or plastic cover. These collectors heat liquid or air at temperatures less than 180°F. However, unglazed solar collectors are often used for swimming pool solar heating applications.

Solar heating systems work well in many different climates.  Some applications such as solar pool heating and solar hot water production are widely cost-effective today.  The cost-effectiveness of other applications will be governed by specific circumstances such as: geographic location, site characteristics, and type, usage and cost of current energy sources.

A solar heating system is a substantial but rewarding investment in that it can reduce heating bills while helping in protecting the environment.  Getting informed and planning carefully is the best way of ensuring that you will choose the best system for your specific situation.

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