Solar Thermal: Pros and Cons – Part 1: Solar Heating and Cooling

The term solar thermal has been used to describe two different types of systems. One is where solar panels are used to collect heat, which is used directly, as domestic or process hot water, space heating, or in some cases, air conditioning. This is really the most basic form of solar energy utilization, which is commonly known as solar heating and cooling (SHC).

Source: http://www.TriplePundit.com:
Solar Thermal: Pros and Cons – Part 1: Solar Heating and Cooling