Solar thermal is a technology that harnesses the sun's energy by using it to heat up a working fluid (i.e. water, oil), then utilizing the hot fluid for process heating, turbine-generate power and a number of other uses.

Example Assessment Recommendation

• Solar Hot Water - installed for pool use at university recreation center

Necessary Info (example)

• Heat source: steam
• Steam cost: $0.017 per pound of steam (60 psi)
• Average ambient (indoor) temperature: 85.5 °F
• Lap pool water temperature: 80.5 °F
• Lap pool surface area: 4,500 sq ft
• Dive pool water temperature: 83.5 °F
• Dive pool surface area: 1,800 sq ft

Additional Resources

• American Solar Energy Society
• The Solar Hygrogen Civilization, by Roy McAlister
• Solar Hot Water Systems, by Tom Lane
• Solar Energy Industries Association
• Energy Star
• Tax Incentives Assistance Program
• Rating Certification Corporation
• DeBebord, David, "Getting Better Acquainted With Solar Water Systems", PM Engineer August 2008
• Solar Thermal Energy, Wikipedia article