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Glite Dictionary
solar thermal system

solar thermal system

3.7
A system that uses sunlight to make heat for hot water or heating buildings
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema solar térmico
  • The partnerships between the DOE and private industry are hastening the development of cost-effective solar thermal systems for commercial markets in remote applications and utility-scale power.
  • solar thermal system heats water

Examples

  • Many hotels are implementing a solar thermal system to provide hot water for their guests by harnessing the sun's energy.

  • A solar thermal system to heat hot water at Masuk.

    Blog text (8)

  • His contributions to research in the areas of solar thermal systems, thermal insulation, and refrigeration systems are internationally recognized.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The third type of solar thermal system, the dish/Stirling system, comprises a parabolic concentrator or dish, a thermal receiver, and a heat engine/generator (Figure 1c).

    Academic text (1994)

  • The solar thermal system efficiently heats water using sunlight, making it a popular choice for eco-friendly homes.

  • Investing in a solar thermal system can significantly reduce heating costs by utilizing renewable energy from the sun.

Synonyms

solar collector
vssolar thermal system
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A device that uses mirrors or panels to focus sunlight and make heat

is a single component for gathering sun heat rather than an entire system
solar furnace
vssolar thermal system
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A machine that uses a large curved mirror to focus sunlight and make very high heat

is aimed at everyday heating and wider energy roles rather than extreme temperatures
solar heater
vssolar thermal system
3.4

A device that uses sunlight to heat water or air

is a larger setup that also supplies building heat or generates electricity
sun heater
vssolar thermal system
  • Specialized
3.9

A device that uses sunlight to heat water or a room

is broader covering both small heating devices and larger energy systems

How Hot

solar thermal system
  • Specialized
3.7

Surface Forms

solar thermal system singular
solar thermal systems plural

Morphology

solar + thermal + system

The meaning 'a system that uses sunlight to produce heat' is directly and transparently derivable from the constituents: 'solar' (from the sun) + 'thermal' (relating to heat) + 'system' (a set of interacting parts). This adjective+noun composition follows a regular, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the individual words should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Solar thermal system comes from two words: solar meaning 'sun' and thermal meaning 'heat'. Imagine dark panels on a roof that catch sunlight and warm water or air, so the name means a system that uses the sun to make 'heat' for hot water or home heating.