Solar technologies are increasingly being developed for more uses beyond electricity generation as the globe continues with its accelerated energy transition. Solar thermal collectors – systems that are designed to capture sunlight as usable heat – gained renewed attention in 2025 amid intense searches by governments, industries, and households for efficient and low-carbon heating solutions. From domestic hot water systems to large industrial heat applications, solar thermal technology provides a practical, and often cost-effective, pathway to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
For deeper market sizing, trends, and forecasts, refer to the Solar Thermal Collectors Market report available here:
What Are Solar Thermal Collectors and Why Do They Matter?
Unlike a solar photovoltaic panel that converts sunlight into electricity, the solar thermal collector converts sunlight directly into heat energy, which in turn finds use in water heating, space heating, and also in industrial heating systems. Due to the enormous use of thermal energy in the global energy demand, especially in the building and industry sectors, the solar thermal energy system finds paramount importance in the pursuit of reducing global carbon emissions.
In most areas, solar thermal energy provides far greater overall efficiency compared to PVs, especially where the intended use of energy is heating. Therefore, this technology is also ideal for use where the price of electricity is high or where there isn't much power capacity in the grid.
Key Technology Types in the Market
Solar thermal collectors are available in several technology configurations; each designed for specific temperature ranges and use cases:
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Flat Plate Collectors
Flat-plate collectors are most commonly used, particularly in residential and small-scale commercial installations. These collectors are made up of an insulated enclosure containing an absorber plate with a clear top cover. These collectors are reliable, relatively cheap, and suited to hot water and space heating in a moderate climate.
According to the Solar Heating & Cooling Programme of the International Energy Agency, in 2022, flat plate solar thermal collector systems contributed greatly to solar thermal capacity in Europe. About 72% of total solar thermal installed capacity in 2022 was comprised of flat plate collector systems, mainly employed in building heating and hot water sectors.
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Evacuated Tube Collectors
Evacuated tube collectors are some of the most efficient solar thermal collectors that are available today. The collectors are vacuum-sealed, which helps prevent losses, ensuring that the collectors function well even when the weather is cold and/or cloudy. Because of the efficiency that they offer, along with warmer temperatures that they produce, the majority of the demand for solar collectors is comprised of evacuated tube collectors, especially when the weather is unpredictable.
December 2025 saw studies for the Renovated Evacuated Tube Collectors (RETCs) incorporating passive elements showing an improved level of performance as well as economic feasibility. These studies depict the adaptation and further development of the evacuated tube system to meet the demands for efficiency.
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Unglazed and Air Collectors
Unglazed flat plate collectors are typically used for low-temperature purposes such as swimming pools. Air heaters with air as the fluid of heat transfer are applied in space heating applications. In spite of their complex design processes, they are less costly.
(Source: Solar Heating & Cooling Programme, International Energy Agency, and Science Direct)
Applications Across Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Sectors
The residential segment is one of the prime movers for solar thermal energy, especially for water heating purposes. Consumers here enjoy cheaper energy costs, extended lifespan, and stability from fuel prices.
In the commercial and institutional market, solar thermal collectors are commonly found in hotels, hospitals, universities, and public facilities where hot water is continuously required. In such applications, they provide good economic benefits and help meet the goals of sustainability.
A significant area where an increasing potential exists is the industrial sector. Sectors such as food processing, textiles, chemicals, and mines require a considerably high quantity of cooling or heating, which is of a lower to medium temperature range. Solar thermal energy systems reduce gas or diesel fuel.
What’s Driving Market Expansion in 2025?
- Rising energy costs are pushing consumers and businesses toward long-term, predictable heating solutions.
- Government incentives and mandates in Europe, Asia, and parts of Latin America encourage solar thermal adoption through subsidies, building codes, and renewable heat targets.
- Decarbonization pressure on buildings and industry is accelerating the shift away from fossil-fuel-based heating.
- Technology improvements, including better absorber coatings and system integration, are improving efficiency and durability.
While upfront installation costs remain a consideration, declining system prices and improved financing options are steadily improving adoption economics.
Final Thoughts
Solar thermal collectors are no longer a regional specialty in Renewable Energy but a mature solution scalable to meet global demand for space heating effectively. With a variety of technologies to choose from, broad application possibilities, and an open policy agenda, the market for solar thermal collectors is poised for steady growth in the coming years. As energy technologies advance, the solar thermal collectors will continue to be a key supporting tool in addition to the global clean-energy mix.
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