What type of solutions do solar thermal systems provide?

Solar thermal systems are specifically designed to capture and utilize solar energy to produce heat, primarily in the form of hot water. These systems work by using solar collectors that absorb sunlight and convert it into heat, which is then transferred to a fluid, typically water, circulating through the system. This heated water can be used for various applications, including domestic hot water supply, swimming pool heating, and space heating in buildings.

While heating solutions for buildings is closely related, as hot water can indeed be used for space heating, the primary and most direct output of solar thermal systems is hot water. This distinction is important because it clarifies that the system's main function is to generate heat for water heating rather than focusing solely on building heating or electrical energy generation, which are the functions of other systems like solar photovoltaics or heating solutions using different technologies.