Flat Plate Collectors

Flat-plate collectors are the most common type of nonconcentrating collector. They are often used for heating buildings. There are many flat-plate collector designs but generally all consist of:

(1) a flat-plate absorber, which intercepts and absorbs the solar energy,

(2) a transparent cover(s) that allows solar energy to pass through but reduces heat loss from the absorber,

(3) a heat-transport fluid (air or water) flowing through tubes to remove heat from the absorber, and a heat insulating backing.