Solar Thermal, or Solar Hot Water (SHW), can reduce water heating costs. Solar thermal collectors capture heat from the sun and are connected to your home’s plumbing structure to provide hot water.  Solar thermal systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't. Solar thermal can be ideal for heating pools and for homes using propane for heating.