IEA-SHC Large systems (solar heating systems, seasonal storage and heat pumps)

The project has succeeded in disseminating the very positive development in the field of solar district heating and has inspired several countries to start solar district heating demonstration projects. Also the concept of “smart district heating” is now known and considered in Europe – and to some extend worldwide. In “smart district heating” the synergy between solar heating, seasonal storage, heat pumps and CHP units is utilized to “level out” the dynamic electricity production from wind turbines and solar PV.

The project has developed guidelines and compendiums for large solar systems, e.g. for guarantied performance and safety installations – plus models for Energy Service Companies (ESCo). This will increase deployment of large solar systems – and increase performance, quality and safety for future systems.

The world market has been described and a detailed database with description of about 250 large systems has been made.

Through the project a strong and constructive international network, cooperating in th ethe field of large solar systems has been established.