Solar parabolic collectors, question? - Page 2

 

ghelf,

Collecting, transporting, and storing heat all involve heat losses and
the higher the temperature, the greater the losses, which is to say,
it doesn't make much sense to me to collect, transport, or store heat
at a much greater temperature than you plan to use it (the temperature
of domestic hot water).

The heat (btu, watts…) either device delivers is primarily dependant
on the collector or concentrator's area, since the sun will deliver
equal heat to either device given equal area, the main heat difference
is the device's output temperature (same quantity heat, different
temperatures).

The temperatures delivered by collectors are within the range for
domestic hot water, so I don't see the need for the additional cost of
a concentrator if you don't need higher temperatures, but you can find
either device here:
http://www.builditsolar.com/

Good luck,

Curbie