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Solar thermal energy converts sunlight into heat — ideal for hot water production and heating support in residential buildings, industry and agriculture.
Solar thermal energy is a technology that converts solar radiation into usable heat. Unlike photovoltaics, which generate electricity, solar thermal systems are used to produce heat for water heating or to support heating systems in buildings, industry, or agriculture.
Solar collectors — usually installed on rooftops — absorb solar radiation and transfer the heat to a heat transfer fluid (typically water with antifreeze).
This heated fluid flows through a heat exchanger, where the energy is transferred to a storage tank or heating system.
The stored heat can then be used for hot water supply, space heating, or low-temperature industrial processes.
Unlike photovoltaic systems, solar thermal installations do not require inverters or battery storage systems. Instead, they rely on thermal storage systems, such as buffer tanks or hot water storage tanks.
• Domestic hot water production in residential and multi-family buildings
• Heating support systems (e.g. combined with gas boilers or heat pumps)
• Process heat in industry and agriculture (e.g. laundries or food production)
• Solar-supported district heating systems
• Combination with PV systems for optimal use of available roof space
• Collector area (m²): determines the heat generation capacity
• Efficiency: typically 50–70% conversion of solar radiation into heat
• Annual heat yield (kWh/m²): depends on collector type and location
• Temperature level: typically suitable for applications up to approx. 90°C
• Storage volume (liters): determines how long the heat can be stored and used
Solar thermal energy is an efficient technology for producing renewable heat — particularly in buildings, agriculture, and commercial applications with a continuous demand for hot water.
It complements photovoltaics well because both technologies use solar energy but produce different forms of energy. Together, they can contribute significantly to reducing fossil fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
