Solar Heating

The conversion of solar radiation into heat for technological, comfort-heating, and cooking purposes. The use of solar radiation to heat water or air in buildings. There are two types of Solar heating: passive and active. Passive heating relies on architectural design; the building's siting, orientation, layout, materials, and construction are utilized to maximize the heating effect of sunlight falling on it. In active solar heating, mechanical means are used to collect, store, and distribute solar energy. In liquid-based systems, a blackened metal plate on the exterior absorbs sunlight and traps heat, which is transferred to a carrier fluid.