In many countries,
solar energy technology for multi-family dwellings has developed in parallel with solar heating for single-family houses. Basically, solar heating systems for multi-family and single family dwelling are built up of the same component parts and system technology. Sizing and key ratios are not completely different from one another either.
One of the most interesting system applications is the integration of solar collectors in the building envelope when this is to be renewed anyway, for example when altering flat roofs or wall claddings. Both water-based and air-based
solar heating systems can be of interest. In the latter case the solar heating is normally used for ventilation air or space heating, preferably near the position of the fresh air intake to the building.
A decisive factor in whether or not solar heating is of interest in refurbishing is whether the building envelope needs attention for reasons of heating technology or maintenance, or for architectural reasons.
The greatest opportunities for optimal installation and operation are in new building. It is important to check the options and try to find an advantageous position for the solar collectors, space for the storage tank and other heating equipment, suitable pipe runs, good combination of energy types, and good economy.
When solar collectors are to supplement an existing heating system, further demands are made on the survey work. When the roof covering is to be changed it can be natural to choose solar collectors as a roofing material, which is particularly interesting if flat felt roofs are to be altered to ridged roofs. Here there are often good conditions for solar collectors, from both the financial and the technical points of view.
Start with the storage tank, regardless of whether it is a question of a new heating plant or supplementing an existing system. The best economic conditions are created if solar heating is used together with another heat source that requires some sort of storage tank.
Nathan Sintua is an expert on solar energy technology. He has written several articles on solar thermal, solar electricity technologies,
and other green energies. To learn more about him, visit his site: