There are two types of thermal solar systems in use. One being the Sun's energy to heat a liquid; such as water into steam, in order to power a turbine and then create electricity. The other being the harnessing of the sun's energy to heat water. By heating water with the sun's energy, it depletes the need for electricity to heat the water and thus, reduces greenhouse gases.

UCF recently constructed a Thermal Solar system on the student residence Tower II building. This system provides hot water for the 500 students living in the building and also has cut an estimated $45,000 from the university's energy cost.