Solar collectors with heating element

Electric heater

— the presence of an electric heater in the design of a solar collector.

The heating element consists of a heating filament, a metal tube in which it is enclosed, and an insulating material with good thermal conductivity (sand, oil, etc.) that fills the space between the filament and the tube. Such a device plays the role of an additional heater that increases the overall efficiency of the collector: if the heating from the sun is not enough, you can additionally connect the heating element and achieve the required temperature. However, note that to use this function, at least the presence of electricity is required, and for powerful heating elements, a specific connection format may also be needed. Also, do not forget that this function is associated with additional costs: if solar energy comes "for free", then you have to pay for electricity. However, a solar collector with a heating element is still much cheaper than a purely electric water heater or a boiler of the same power.