The sun is the ultimate source of energy. This fact has substantially influenced the growth of the renewable energy business. The majority of green technology in use today harvest sun energy directly or indirectly. And the dispute over solar thermal versus solar PV (Photovoltaic) panels is fascinating because both use sun energy in the home, but they serve distinct purposes.
What is the difference between a solar PV (photovoltaic) and a solar thermal system?
The main distinction is how they function.
To begin with, concentrated solar thermal systems produce electricity by turning solar energy into high-temperature heat. The sun's energy is focused by many reflectors in this technology, and the focused energy is then used to power electrical generators and heat engines. The plant of the system is separated into two parts: one receives solar energy and transforms it to heat, and the other converts heat to electricity. Because alternating current is generated indirectly by concentrated solar thermal systems, it is easily distributed across the grid.
Solar PV (photovoltaic) cells, on the other hand, are not the same as concentrated solar thermal systems. When solar PV (photovoltaic) cells absorb light, electrons become free, the process of directly turning light into energy occurs. That's the way it works. To generate direct current, the current generated by the passage of loose electrons is collected and transmitted to the wire. Once created, DC power is normally converted to AC power using an inverter and supplied across the grid.
Solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) systems can be employed in a variety of ways; in most cases, thermal absorbs heat while PV panels create electricity. We can readily conclude that solar thermal is more efficient now that we understand some of the properties of solar thermal and panel systems.
What Are the Solar PV Application Scenarios?
1. Residential rooftop solar power generation: Solar power panels are employed in a significant number of rural regions. They can not only save energy and electricity, but they can also earn money from the excess electricity.
2.Photovoltaics and fisheries complement each other: solar photovoltaic panels can block sunlight from reaching the water's surface, lowering evaporation and boosting the likelihood of survival for fish and prawns. Second, they inhibit the growth of algal plants, creating an excellent environment for the growth of fish and prawns. On the one hand, it can help reduce the amount of area required for photovoltaic panel installation. Solar panels, on the other hand, can help meet the operating demands of the fishing sector.
3. Complementary agricultural photovoltaic: By erecting solar photovoltaic panels with varying light transmittance, it is possible to meet the light demand of various crops while also cultivating organic agricultural products, seedlings, and other high-value-added crops, as well as anti-seasonal planting. The enhanced power generation capability can meet agriculture's power generation needs.
What Are the Solar Thermal Application Scenarios?
1. Heating of water
One of the first applications of solar thermal energy was the direct conversion of solar radiation into heat. Solar thermal energy can be used in two ways: low-temperature applications and high-temperature applications.
2. Solar power plants with high concentrations
Solar radiation is used to generate solar thermal energy with temperatures reaching 500 °C. The heat stored in the receiver's working fluid is used to create electricity. In comparison to photovoltaic power generation, there are no particularly difficult technical difficulties. However, the service life of solar thermal is limited, making long-term power supply unfeasible.
3. Solar chimneys
Various sun production systems, in addition to concentrating solar power plants, have been investigated in severely isolated plains areas of relatively little commercial importance, such as the semi-arid regions of Brazil. Because it is less expensive than photovoltaics, it is suitable for solar thermal power generation.
What are the advantages of solar PV (photovoltaic) electricity generation over solar thermal?
Solar PV (photovoltaic) power generation offers several advantages over solar thermal utilisation technology, including:
Because the electricity generated by a solar PV panel can be used for a variety of applications, solar PV is more flexible than solar thermal.
Panels typically survive longer than solar thermal, with panels capable of providing power for roughly 30 years, while many solar PV (photovoltaic) systems last much longer, albeit at a lower efficiency level.
Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems can create more electricity than is required, particularly in the summer, and this extra energy can be exported to the grid in exchange for money.
What are the downsides of solar PV (photovoltaic) power generation in comparison to solar thermal?
One downside of solar PV (photovoltaic) vs solar thermal is the higher initial cost of installation, which can be compensated by energy bill savings.
They also take up more space than a solar thermal panel, which might be an issue on some rooftops or in some homes.
Most importantly, finding reputable solar PV panel vendors and installation might be difficult at times. Maysun Solar is a trustworthy solar panel manufacturer, and our PV experts will recommend the best solar panel for your needs, saving you money and time! To locate the greatest deals and get assistance from a reputable original manufacturer.
Furthermore, if the electricity generated by a solar PV panel is not consumed immediately, it must be stored in an energy storage system.
Which Should You Choose: Solar Thermal or Solar PV (photovoltaic) ?
It is determined by the type required.
If you require electricity, solar panels are the way to go. Solar thermal energy should be employed if thermal energy is required. Assume you require both heat and electricity. Panels would be a better option than solar thermal in this scenario because electricity can be easily transformed into any other form of energy using current technology. Solar systems are becoming more efficient as well. Panel module prices have reduced by 80% since 2009. In contrast, technological growth in the photothermal business has been slow.
Since 2008, Maysun Solar has concentrated on producing high-quality panel modules. In a range of solar panels, including all-black, black frame, silver, and glass-to-glass, we use half-cut, MBB, IBC, and Shingled technologies. These solar panels offer great performance as well as stylish appearances that complement any building. Maysun Solar has successfully established warehouses and offices in several countries, as well as long-term relationships with top installers! If you have any queries concerning PV or would want the most latest module quotes, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you.
Source： https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2016/04/differences-between-solar-photovoltaics-and-solar-thermal
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