The flat plate solar collector is a type of thermal solar panel whose purpose is to transform solar radiation into thermal energy. This type of solar thermal panels have a good cost/effectiveness ratio in moderate climates and are well suited to a large number of thermal applications, such as: Domestic hot water (DHW) production.
In an area that produces an average level of solar energy, the amount of energy a flat plate solar collector generates equates to around one square foot panel generating one gallon of one day's hot water. The flat plate panel design utilises many different absorber configurations with the main design being the harp configuration.
Flat plate collector have the following advantage over other types of solar energy collectors: (i) Absorb direct, diffuse and reflected components o solar radiation, (ii) Are fixed in tilt and orientation and thus, there is no needed of tracking the Sun, (iii) Are easy to make and are low in cost,
The operation of a flat solar collector is based on heat transfer. Solar radiation hits the collector's heat absorber. When the radiation hits the surface of the absorber, part of its energy is converted into heat. As a result, the temperature of the solar collector increases.
India is working towards a greener future, and solar flat plate collectors are a big part of this. They help make energy use cleaner and more responsible in homes and industries. These systems also help India face energy and climate challenges better. Fenice Energy is helping make these green solutions a regular part of life in India.
FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS The flat plate collectors forms the heat of any solar energy collection system designed for operation in the low temperature range, from ambient to 60 or the medium temperature, form ambient to 100. A well engineered flat plate collector is delivers heat at a relatively low cost for a long duration.