Author : Nitin P. Gulhane, Kaustubh V. Chavan

This paper gives a critical technological review on various types of solar thermal system, photovoltaic thermal system and applications of solar thermal collectors is presented. The benefit offered by, solar energy on conventional sources of energy is presented. A historical introduction of solar energy is followed by a thermal analysis of various collectors including Parabolic Trough, Parabolic Dish, Fresnel lens, solar chimney, compound parabolic and flat-plate collectors and their performance. Application of various types of solar thermal collectors system like water heating, space heating and cooling, refrigeration, industrial process heat, thermal power systems applications. As we aware about solar energy systems can be used for a wide range of applications and provide significant benefits, therefore, they should be used whenever possible.

Keywords: Solar energy, Solar thermal collectors, Parabolic Collector, Photovoltaic thermal collectors.