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There is a category of solar power designs which generate heat directly from the Sun. They are called thermal solar power systems, and are a reliable and inexpensive way to make your life more self sustainable for years to come.

The uses for thermal solar power are widespread and varied. Just think of any process which could utilize heat. This could range from something simple such as hot water heating, to more sophisticated designs involve stirling engines or industrial grade steam.

For small scale users like ourselves, thermal solar power can be integrated into our homes. The most practical applications are for hot water and home heating, and there are a variety of designs in use. Equally as important is that thermal solar power systems are affordable and easy to use.

There are other good uses for thermal solar power which we expect to increase in years to come. One is pebble bed heat exchangers, which act as a thermal storage bank for converted heat. This gives us some system capacity and operating flexibility.

Applications for pebble bed heat exchangers include radiant heating in and around our homes. They can be integrated into greenhouses, saunas, or even in your family rooms. Pebble bed heat exchangers are made from natural materials, and can be an attractive feature in any home.

The typical operating temperatures for a thermal solar power system will range from 120F to 180F. We have technologies to boost these temperatures from 200F to 350F. Industrial grade technologies can achieve temperatures in excess of 700F. Most of us with fall in the hundred degree category, but for the tinkerers, mechanics, and home enthusiasts we may want to push 300 degrees for our special applications.

At the core of any thermal solar power system will be the solar collector. This is the component directly responsible for generating your heat. The most common design is the flat plate absorber, which often have selective surfaces for high absorptivity and low emissivity of solar radiation. Other designs include evacuated tube collectors, and parabolic trough concentrating receivers.

The circulating fluid flows through the solar collector to distribute the heat through your system. It should be selected based on the peak operating temperatures and equipment compatibility. Typical fluids are glycol, oil, and water. A low flow pumping system will be needed that is agreeable with your operating conditions.

Anyone seriously interested in energy independence should start with thermal solar power technology. The components are simple and inexpensive. If you could identify your climate as having reasonable amounts of Sun, then thermal solar power is encouraged to the fullest extent.

Thermal power systems are typically less expensive than solar power electricity, and can create household hot water and heat reliably. With the addition of pebble bed storage and higher operating temperatures, then the amount of potential uses suddenly becomes many. With the markets of sustainability re-growing their roots we expect to see a variety of new designs and installations in years to come.

Walter Hull is a mechanical engineer with expertise in solar energy power systems. For a short time you can get his free checklist to solar energy from your own yard.