Today, solar energy allows us to meet the demands not only of SHW and heating but also of cooling. There is a wide variety of possible applications of solar technology in the field of climatisation.
 
The ideal case for maximum utilisation of the solar energy produced by the installation is the current coincidence between the higher demand for cooling in buildings and increased solar radiation. In transition periods and in winter, solar heat will be utilised for the heating system, so that peak performance is obtained from the solar installation along with the highest energy saving.

Amongst the advantages of solar energy cooling technology, we may single out the following:

-    Availability of an energy source that is inexhaustible, free and environment-friendly.
-    Reduced dependence on the electrical utilities.
-    Coolants (CFC) are not used

Technology

For solar climatisation thermal energy is used for the production of cold. The different technologies enable us to classify the systems as either sealed (absorption or adsorption machine) or open (dry-cooling).

The most widely used applications today make use of absorption/adsorption machines that produce cold water by consuming hot water in the region of 90ºC. This hot water will be produced by the solar energy installation, and use of a backup boiler is not necessary in the summer months.