GC: n

CT: Solar thermal energy is the use of solar energy to produce heat.
This is an effect you’re familiar with if you’ve ever gotten into your car after it has been parked in the sun on a hot summer day. Solar thermal energy works in the same way except that the heat generated is put to practical use to heat water or space heating.
In addition, by using a solar thermal system, you make an effective contribution in preserving our energy reserves and environmental protection by reducing CO₂ emissions.

S: http://www.solar-is-future.com/solar-energy-source/how-solar-thermal-energy-works/heat-from-light/ (last access: 1 February 2015)

N: 1. Solar thermal energy harnesses the sun’s power to generate electricity by using lenses and reflectors to concentrate the sun’s energy. The concentrated energy is then used to heat a fluid such as water or oil.
2. The solar collectors absorb the sun’s rays, convert them to heat and transfer the heat to a heat-transfer fluid. (The heat-transfer fluid is typically a glycol and water mixture in regions where seasonal freezing in a concern.) The heat-transfer fluid is then pumped into a heat exchanger located inside the water storage tank where it heats the water.
After releasing its heat via the heat exchanger, the heat-transfer fluid flows back to the collectors to be reheated. The controller keeps the heat-transfer fluid circulating whenever there is heat available in the solar collectors. In the winter, a boiler serves as an alternate heat source. Solar thermal systems can be integrated into existing hot water systems with relative ease.

S: 1. TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 1 February 2015). 2. http://www.solar-is-future.com/solar-energy-source/how-solar-thermal-energy-works/heat-from-light/ (last access: 1 February 2015).

SYN: thermal solar energy, heliothermic energy.

S: TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 1 February 2015)

CR: solar energy, solar thermal plant, solar thermal collector.