TROMBE WALL- Questions abvout this type of solar collector?

Question

Any of you have had any experience with this type of solar heat collector? What is the pros and cons of this type of system?

Answer 1

A trombe wall is a mass heat collector. I have had two installed in houses that I built. One was a solar trombe and one was a collector for a masonry heater. They can be attractive and if designed properly can be incorporated into the overall functionality of the abode.

The only downfall I can think of concerning the wall is the space it takes up and the trouble with a strategic placement.

Answer 2

A Trombe wall system is essentially a shallow greenhouse with a back wall and floor of solar heat absorbing material such as concrete or stone. These systems are very good at providing heat to a structure not only in the day but also at night because of the thermal mass stored in the stone wall and floor during the day and given off during the night. I've also seen systems where a small solar collector was placed in the space to provide hot water, which work very well because they're not exposed to cold outside temps. I don't know of any cons for these except maybe for the aesthetic design aspects, which could be dealt with.