Solar thermal panels

Abstract

Systems and methods for employing solar thermal energy for heating are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system is disclosed, in which a thermal-fluid-filled solar-thermal panel that has been sealed to prevent leakage of the thermal fluid. In other embodiments, a method of sealing a solar thermal panel is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the solar thermal panel is sealed by applying heat to one edge of the solar thermal panel, thereby melting the edge and forming a seal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a solar thermal panel, comprising the steps of:
 extruding a polymer panel comprising layers, the polymer panel further comprising an open edge; and   melting the open edge to form a sealed edge.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the melting step comprises the steps of:
 pressing the top of the polymer panel with a heated die, thereby causing the layers to melt together to form a seal.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the melting step comprises the steps of:
 heating the open edge with a radiative heat source.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the melting step comprises the steps of:
 heating the open edge with a convective heat source.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the melting step comprises the steps of:
 heating the open edge with a conductive heat source.   
     
     
         6 . A solar thermal panel manufactured using the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         7 . A solar thermal panel comprising:
 a bottom channel for carrying thermal fluid, the bottom channel having a bottom-channel seal to prevent leakage of the thermal fluid from the bottom channel;   a first hole located near a first edge of the bottom channel, the first hole for receiving the thermal fluid from an external source;   a second hole located near a second edge the bottom channel, the second hole for expelling the thermal fluid from the solar thermal panel; and   a top channel located above the bottom channel, the top channel having a top-channel seal.   
     
     
         8 . The panel of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 an inlet attached to the first hole; and   an outlet attached to the second hole.