ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses space heating and cooling. Most of these applications are technically based on the systems used for hot water production, whilst the combination is as a rule a financially more solid investment. In order to assess the prevailing situation in the field of active solar systems (ASS), one could try to apply the methodological approach of Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat analysis (SWOT analysis), considering the solar systems both as independent technical components and also according to their applications. According to the methodology widely adopted by the academic community and international organizations like IEA, active solar energy systems are classified according to the produced energy form and application, the operating principle or the working medium. The chapter presents the classification for solar collectors as single components, with respect to the operating principle. Developing large-scale building renovation projects, urbanization, increased thermal comfort expectations, and the creation of buyer groups for solar buildings and/or solar building products are important.
