Get To Know The Pros And Cons Of Solar Thermal And Solar PV Systems

The very idea of using the sun above you to power the home or industry itself seems to be an interesting option. Now, let us check out the two ways by which we can turn the house a solar house. The solar thermal and solar PV methods. The solar thermal is usually installed as black and has prominent pipes. The solar SV is usually shiny and blue. The solar thermal makes use of the sun’s heat energy and heats up liquids or water with it. The liquids heated by solar energy usually transfers the heat to air or water. The heat can be used to provide power to large-scale steam turbines.

Whereas, in a solar PV, also named solar power system, directly collects the sunlight and makes electricity from it. Both solar photovoltaic system and solar thermal system helps in cutting down the electricity bills and makes lives easier. But both have their own set of pros and cons. Let us take a quick look at the pros and cons of both types:

Solar PV- Pros

• The technology used for solar PV, known as solar photovoltaic energy, produces environment-friendly electricity for more than thirty years. The professionally installed solar panels are expected to work fine for a long duration and comes with a warranty for a minimum of twenty-five years.
• The solar PV produces electricity that caters to almost sixty percent of a usual household’s energy requirements.
• The peak energy requirements and peak production times coincides during summers. It can easily power the appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators easily.
• The solar panels can help in extending and protecting the life of your house roofs. We can even integrate it with the building construction and impart the house a much more aesthetic look.

Solar PV- Cons

• Needs larger investment amounts and a longer duration of Solar payoff (more than ten years).
• Solar panel efficiency is less than twenty percent.
• The raw materials cost more, and hence the equipment also costs more.
• Needs larger roof space.

Solar Thermal- Pros

• Collects solar heat energy at seventy percent efficiency.
• Lesser roof space needed
• Brings down the gas bills and electricity bills by utilizing solar energy to heat water and insides of home.
• The initial investment is low and the payback period is just 3 to 5 years.
• Lesser complex technology.
• Much more dependable option.

Solar Thermal-Cons

• Effectiveness reduces in winters
• Gives peak performance in summers when heating needs are less.
• Lower versatility.

The above-listed pros and cons of both types of converting houses to solar houses will serve as a guideline for you to make the right decision. Both the options are available with government incentives and help you to cut down the electricity and gas bills. We can even provide a mix of both the types installed in your homes for maximum utilization of both the power and heat sources. The choice mainly depends on your needs and priorities.