Energy and carbon impact analysis of a solar thermal collector system

Much research effort is focusing on the reduction of man's carbon footprint in response to global energy and sustainability initiatives. The prudence of such activities is reliant on the embodied energy (EE) of materials and processes from cradle to gate, which influence overall energy of products and processes from cradle to grave. This paper evaluates the lifecycle energy and carbon intensity of a solar thermal collector with indirect coil heat exchange, for UK applications. The analysis is inclusive of materials, manufacture, transportation, installation and maintenance, and derives energy and carbon payback periods for a typical domestic system suitable for the domestic hot water needs of a three-bedroom home in the UK. The improvement analysis demonstrates how EE and carbon can be reduced through increased use of recycled materials, generating reductions in payback times of up to 10 months. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.