Solar panels absorb energy from the sun to heat water or create electricity. We offer a range of sizes and types. Many come as systems, ready to 'plug in', and can be leased.

 

The hot water from thermal panels can be used;

1. For human use, such as a pre-heated supply to a traditional hotwater heater for cooking, bathing, etc., or

2. For residential and commercial applications such as,

   a. Powering an 'absorption chiller' for air conditioning, using water as the non-CFC refrigerant (the beauty here is that it gets the most solar energy on hot sunny days when you need more cooling - a perfect match !),

   b. A pre-heated supply to a fuel-powered heater/boiler for radiant floor heating, pool heating, etc., or

   c. Equipment and floor washing, etc.

 

Most of these systems are 'packaged, plug-in ready' and can be leased if that suits your budget and policies better. They are even available on a 'fee for service' basis where a vendor owns, installs and operates the system for you.

 

The hot water can also be used to drive a 'waste heat ' engine (click in the left margin), and electric generator. More complex thermal systems, with mirrors to concentrate the heat, can create steam to drive turbines and generators. Hot water tanks can be used for energy storage (like a battery) during absence of sun.

 

The 'photo-voltaic' panels (or shingles, etc.) create electricity for direct use, battery charging, or off-loading excess to the utility grid.