How Do Solar Heating Panels Work?

There are mainly two types of solar water heaters in conjunction with residential solar power. Evacuated tube and flat plate. The flat solar panels are far more cheaper to make, but they are a lot less effective and efficient than the evacuated ones.

If you live in a climate where you get a lot of sunshine all year round, then the flat panels will do a decent job of heating your water. If you live in a place where there is very little sunshine, they can in fact take heat out of your home.

If you do live in areas with less fortunate climates, then the evacuated tube systems will work for you very well. They are however more expensive.
The evacuated tube solar panels have been around for about ten years, and have proven to be very reliable indeed.

The vacuum tubes are made up of tough glass, with a heat pipe running through it. The solar energy is absorbed into the inner glass coated surface, but the inner silver lining prevents re-radiating. This has a similar effect as a one way mirror that has been optimized for infra red radiation. Over 90% of the suns energy is absorbed which is impressive.

The vacuum wall within this type of solar panel will act like a thermos flask, which will definitely allow this system to be effective in very low temperatures.
So even if you live at the north pole, this nifty system will work very well for you.

Residential solar power has indeed come a long way.