5. Use thermal renewable energies

5.1 Solar thermal collectors

A solar thermal collector (or solar collector, or heliothermal collector, or solar panel) is a device designed to collect solar energy transmitted by radiation and transfer it to a heat-transfer fluid (gas or liquid) in the form of heat. This thermal energy can then be used to heat buildings, to produce domestic hot water or in various industrial processes.

The collector absorbs incident solar radiation, transforming it into thermal energy which is then transferred to a heat transfer fluid circulating in the collector. The fluids used can be air, water or oil, or a mixture with glycol (antifreeze fluid), particularly for forced-circulation systems. Phase-change materials (e.g. molten salts) are also used for concentrated systems....