Solar Thermal Collector Vs Pv

There are two types of direct solar energy technology which includes solar thermal and solar photovoltaic.

Solar thermal collector vs pv.

In both technologies the principle is the same which involves converting raw energy from the sun into electricity. Here in we review basic solar energy facts of competing solar technologies csp vs pv. They are especially suitable if a limited roof area is available. But there is also a significant difference between them.

You generate electricity on the one hand and hot water on the other. The panels on your roof are the collectors of sunlight thus heating up the liquid in the tubes which is then transported into your cylinder ready for use. Rather than converting it into electricity as solar pv panels do the energy is used to produce heat water stored in a cylinder. Photovoltaic it is important to understand that solar thermal technology is not the same as solar panel or photovoltaic technology.

Solar thermal panels which are made up of solar thermal collectors are usually installed on the roof where they absorb energy from the sun. Relative costs of renewable energy. The name is pvt photo voltaic thermal. Photovoltaic thermal collectors typically abbreviated as pvt collectors and also known as hybrid solar collectors photovoltaic thermal solar collectors pv t collectors or solar cogeneration systems are power generation technologies that convert solar radiation into usable thermal and electrical energy pvt collectors combine photovoltaic solar cells which convert sunlight into electricity.

Photovoltaic hybrid solar thermal collectors are pv panels and thermal pv collectors combined. Solar thermal electric energy generation concentrates the light from the sun to create heat and that heat is used to run a heat engine which turns a generator to make electricity. Solar thermal power is usually used for water heating. 5 this figure indicates that both types of solar cost roughtly the same and are at least 2 times more expensive than any other form of renewable energy.

Let s take a closer look at solar thermal advantages. Photovoltaic andrew danowitz november 28 2010 submitted as coursework for physics 240 stanford university fall 2010. Csp systems concentrate radiation of the sun to heat a liquid substance which is then used to drive a heat engine and drive an electric generator. It s a simple technology.