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How is solar energy used? Active solar energy Active solar thermal systems use collectors (focusing mirrors and metal plates) to capture the sun’s energy. Solar radiation heats up the collectors, which in turn transfer heat to air or water. These systems are frequently used for space heating and water heating. One solar method of heating water uses glazed or unglazed collectors. The heart of a solar collector is a black absorber (blackened surface) that absorbs solar radiation and converts it into heat. The heat is transferred to a heat-transfer liquid (water, anti-freeze or oil) that flows through tubes on the collectors. This heat is transferred to a heat exchanger to heat water in a storage tank or to be stored for later use. This technology can be used to heat water in homes or swimming pools, or to provide energy efficient water heating and hot water heat to commercial and industrial facilities, such as laundries, hotels or breweries. In a typical solar pool heating system, solar collectors are mounted on a roof and connected to a filter pump. When the pool needs heating, water is diverted to the collectors where it is warmed and returned to the pool. Active solar energy systems can also be used to provide space heating in buildings. Solar air heating systems can use glazed collectors, similar to solar water heating systems, to transfer heat to a radiant floor heating system. Another technique is to directly preheat fresh air drawn into a building. A typical solar air heating system uses a dark colored, perforated aluminum sheeting on a south-facing wall. As the sun strikes the sheet, a fan draws in solar-heated air through the holes, warming the air. This warm air is then circulated by fans throughout the building.
 
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Example of unglazed collectors
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