The solar radiation is absorbed by flat plate collectors which consists of an insulated outer metallic box covered on the top with glass sheet. Inside there are blackened metallic absorber (selectively coated) sheets with built in channels or riser tubes to carry water. The absorber absorbs the solar radiation and transfers the heat to the flowing water.
Solar water heating systems using vacuum tubes made of borosilicate glass with special coating to absorb the solar energy are called as Evacuated Tube Collector system (ETC Systems).
Air between the gap of two glass tubes is evacuated. It results in high level of vacuum, which acts as the best insulation to minimize the heat loss from inner tube. The black coating on the inner tube absorbs the solar energy and transfers it to the water. The water on upper side of Vacuum Tube becomes hot and thus lighter, so it starts moving upwards in the tank. At the same time cold water, which is heavy, comes downward from the tank and is stored at the bottom. The phenomenon is called as natural Thermosyphon circulation, which occurs in every tube.
