Solar heating and cooling systems use the sun as a source for a building’s energy needs. Because the sun is a renewable energy source, it has the potential to supply a home with enough power to meet its energy requirements every day. Solar energy is accumulated through a solar collector, a system that converts sunlight into usable energy.

There are several factors to consider when installing a solar heating or cooling system. Locations that receive ample sunlight with a south-facing roof are ideal. There are also a variety of options when choosing a solar collector to power your heating and cooling system. The three types of solar collectors are flat-plates, such as roof solar panels, evacuated tubes, which are more expensive that flat-plates, and integral collector-storage systems, which can be used in solar water heaters.

Learn about solar panels and radiant heating and cooling