Liquid-Based-Solar
Liquid-based-solar heating systems use a liquid, usually water, which is cheap. In places where it gets cold at night, like below freezing, water is mixed with an antifreeze to keep from freezing. The liquid is pumped through a solar collector where it is heated by the sun and then pumped to a storage tank or directly to the living space.
Once the liquid gets to the living space it goes to a heat exchanger, or radiator, much like the old steam radiator systems in older houses. From the radiators or heat exchangers it is radiated or blown, using fans, into the living space.
Flat-plate collectors are the most common collectors used for liquid-based solar heating systems, but evacuated tube and concentrating collectors are also available and becoming much more affordable. Flat-plate collectors are the cheapest but evacuated tube collectors and concentrating collectors can produce much higher temperatures.
Liquid systems usually store solar heat in tanks of water. The cheapest and easiest tanks to use are standard domestic water heaters, like the one you have in your home. They are designed to meet building codes for pressure vessel requirements, are lined to prevent corrosion, and designed so it is easy to attach pipes and fittings.
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