Generally, solar energy systems used in single-family housing can be divided into:
General classification of solar energy systems
— directly converting solar energy into electricity,
- active (active), which convert the energy of solar radiation into thermal energy in various types of installation devices, being a modification of classic heating installations; an intermediary is involved in the transmission of thermal energy,
- the bees ( passive), which convert the energy of solar radiation into thermal energy based on phenomena known in building physics (radiation, conduction, convection), and for this purpose they use traditional or new elements of the building structure, however, the flow of the obtained thermal energy occurs naturally, with the admission of elements regulating thermal comfort,
- combined (semi-active), considered by some authors as improved passive systems or as a separate category of systems, using air as a medium transmitting thermal energy in a forced circulation.