Solar Thermal vs Solar PV – What’s the difference?

Over time, we have started to look for more renewable and sustainable ways to create energy, and solar power seems to have become the go-to solution. But did you know that there is more than one way to use the sun’s energy?

In this blog, we’ll look at the main differences between solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems, and how they work.

What is solar PV?

Solar PV systems use panels made from semiconductor materials like silicon to turn sunlight directly into electricity. This process is called the photovoltaic effect, and it’s the foundation of most solar energy systems that you see on rooftops today.

How do solar PV panels generate electricity?

Here’s how it works: when the PV panels are hit by sunlight, they create direct current (DC) electricity. This is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter, and this is the kind of electricity that your home uses. This results in a renewable source of energy that you can use to power your home, reduce the cost of energy bills, and lower your carbon footprint.

What is solar thermal?

Solar thermal systems create energy in a different way. Instead of electricity being generated, it is heat, and this is most commonly used to heat water in homes and businesses.

How does solar thermal work?

Solar thermal panels or collectors are installed on your roof, where they can absorb the heat from the sun. This then warms the fluid inside of the system and is pumped through a circuit to a hot water cylinder. The heat produced is then transferred to stored water when the fluid flows through a coil, fitted inside of the cylinder.

Installing solar thermal panels

Installing solar thermal panels can be a bit more complex than a PV system. Bracks need to be mounted to your roof rafters, panels/collectors must be fitted and then this needs to be connected to a cylinder and pump station that integrates with your existing hot water system. Because of this, it is best left to professional installers who can ensure that the system is safe, efficient and watertight.

While both solar PV and thermal systems utilise the energy produced by the sun, they do this in different ways. Choosing which system will work best for you depends on your needs, budget and long-term goals. If you are hoping to reduce your energy bills and power your home sustainably, solar PV may be the system for you. However, if your priority is efficient water heating, solar thermal might be the right choice.

Whichever system you choose, making an investment into solar technology is a great step towards a greener, sustainable future!

If you have any more questions concerning solar thermal or solar PV, or you require any additional information about the services we have at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.