Active Solar Heating
You can choose between active solar heating that either uses liquid or air which is heated in solar energy collectors. If you opt for the active solar heating that uses a system in which liquids are used, you will most probably be using an antifreeze solution, while the system that uses air will heat the air present in air collectors.
How It Actually Works
However, in either case the system collects as well as absorbs the radiation from the sun and then solar heat will be directly transferred to the storage system that in turn distributes the heat into the required space. Sometimes, your active solar heating system may not have the capacity to heat the entire space, and in such instances an auxiliary system may be required for heating the remaining space.Most often, active solar heating systems that use liquids are most suited to radiant heating systems and also for absorption heat pumps and coolers. There are a number of benefits to using active solar heating systems since they are cost-beneficial, especially when used for a great many months in the year, and are more economical than the more expensive heating fuel systems including those that use propane, electricity and also oils to heat up the space.
Another benefit of using active solar heating is that there are many states that give users exemptions from sales tax, credits on income tax as also deductions, and users may also avail of property tax deductions as well as exemptions.
Active solar heating costs are a bit up and down and you can buy a commercial system from between thirty and eighty dollars per square foot of collector area including installation. If however, you use a larger system, the costs will come down and it is also normal to get ten year warranties, and you can get better value for money if you also use the heating system to heat domestic water. You will however need to choose a size that is appropriate to your space requirements which can depend on site, heating required and also design considerations. In addition, there may be local laws that can place other constraints.
Active solar heating systems often have complex controls as compared with standard heating systems and this is due to the fact that such systems require analyzing many more signals as well as need to control other devices. Thus, your system may have sensors, switches as well as motors that will operate the entire system. Remember also, that prior to the installation of your active solar heating system, is aware of local building codes, ordinances as well as sub-divisional laws and any special regulations in force that pertain to your site. And, you may also require a building permit to install your active solar heating system.
