One of the most asked questions we get is whether a person should get solar photovoltaic panels or solar thermal panels. While the answer to that question lies in how much direct sunlight a roof gets, how big a roof is, and other factors, we thought it’d be helpful to first understand the differences between the two types of solar panel systems.
Solar Photovoltaic
Also called solar electric, photovoltaics are primarily used to provide energy to your home. They consist of an array of photovoltaic cells, made of silicon, that capture sunlight and convert it into energy. These systems integrate with your electric company’s power grid, off-setting the amount of energy you receive from the power company. Solar electric systems allow you to receive the financial benefits of both SRECs and Net Metering.
Solar Thermal
Solar Thermal systems, also called solar water heating systems, collect the sun’s energy and use it to heat the water in your house. The panels contain tubes filled with glycol, a non-toxic liquid similar to anti-freeze. Solar thermal panels trap the sun’s heat, which heats the glycol. Then, the glycol is moved through the tubes to a heat transfer system that heats your water. Depending on the size of the system, you can heat the water you use for bathing and washing. Or, if your home is heated with water radiant heat and can support a larger system, you could heat your entire house! Either way, you’ll save a lot of money on your electricity bill.
How to choose the right system
There are many factors that go into choosing which type of solar panel system to install. Here are a few questions that we typically ask when we do a solar analysis:
- Do you want to reduce or eliminate your electric bill?
- Are you concerned about future energy costs?
- Do you want to have a positive impact on the environment?
- Are you concerned about the appearance of a solar panel system?
- How much space do you have?
- Do you want to improve the resale value of your home?
- How much are you currently paying for electricity?
