Grid ConnectionPhotovoltaics are distinguishable from solar thermics which do not produce electricity but transforms solar radiation into heat. This technology is essentially used to produce clean hot water but can also interest certain professional sectors, such as the laundries, which use hot water for their activities. Profitable as much for collective areas (building, hospitals) than for the individual home, where it can also supply the heating system, it perfectly completes the photovoltaic applications. In the current international context where large industrialized countries fight to control fossil energy oilfields, renewable energies still have trouble developing but however hav promising days ahead. Indeed, in some countries like Germany, Austria, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Japan, Australia, solar water heater has become part of everyday life and is very often integrated in the traditional budgeting of individual building projects. In France, some regions lead the way like Alsace, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the overseas territories which benefit from exceptional sunniness. The Reunion Island is the most striking example of the use of the solar water heaters. 60 000 units have already been installed and the market grows at an annual pace of 10 000 units. The impact on the environment is noticeable then since 50% of the solar water heaters replace or avoid the use of electric water heaters, the other 50% replacing or avoiding that of gas water heaters. Operation of a solar water heater The radiant heat of the sun is collected by means of aluminium foil or copper painted in black and placed under the sensor pane. This energy is transmitted by conduction to the copper tubes in which flows the water that will be heated. Hot water, being lighter than cold water, goes up the storage tank creating a natural circulation called thermosiphon. The cooler water, siphoned to the bottom of the sensor, will then be heated. This circuit will be maintained as long as the sun will radiate on the panels, thus constantly renewing the hot water. This system does not require any mechanical part nor maintenance. For the rare occasions when the sun would not shine for several days, the system would be equipped with an adjustable electric supplement which could be manually or automatically connected. TENESOL and solar thermics Established in all overseas territories, TENESOL proposes through its subsidiaries not only a range of solar water heaters but also a real expertise and an incomparable experiment in marketing, installation and maintenance. Competences of our subsidiary companies cover:
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