{"id":994,"date":"2023-02-15T11:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-15T11:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/skylampsolar.uk\/?p=994"},"modified":"2024-02-05T10:05:49","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T10:05:49","slug":"difference-between-solar-panels-and-photovoltaic-panels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skylampsolar.uk\/difference-between-solar-panels-and-photovoltaic-panels\/","title":{"rendered":"What's The Difference Between Solar Panels And Photovoltaic Panels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Most people have heard of solar panels, but few of them realise that not all solar panels are the same. In recent times, photovoltaic systems (also called solar PV panels<\/em><\/a>) have become seriously popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, is there a difference? And why should you care? If you're considering having solar panels installed, it's a good idea to understand the differences to ensure that you're making the right decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Skylamp Solar<\/a>, we know everything there is to know about both types of solar panels, and we believe it's our duty to spread the word about renewable energy technology and how it will benefit us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We're here to explain exactly what the differences are between the two systems and to tell you why they're important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar Thermal Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It's a fact: without the sun's energy, we would not exist. Life could not function on this planet without the sun's heat and light. Our ancestors realised its importance and even experimented with solar rays thousands of years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It took us a while, but in the twentieth century, we eventually figured out a way to use sunlight to heat water and air efficiently. Special cells were set within a panel - usually on a roof - and these absorbed the sun's rays to heat liquid that was then used to make hot water. This invention took off in the 1970s and gradually gained momentum in the UK over the next few decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These were called solar thermal panels<\/em><\/a> <\/em>(or solar collectors<\/em>), although most people dropped the 'thermal' part, and still often do - hence the confusion between the two types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar thermal energy has been around in the UK for several decades and is still popular today. However, it is rapidly being overtaken by the solar PV system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related service: \u201c<\/em><\/strong>Thermal Solar Panel Installation<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u201d.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar PV Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How are solar PV<\/a> panels different to solar thermal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest clue is in the name, photovoltaic<\/em>, which is where the abbreviation PV comes from (and it's easier to say!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The term refers to the photovoltaic effect<\/em>, which happens when light particles from the sun strike the PV cells. These cells contain a semiconductor, which is a material (usually silicon) that conducts an electrical charge under certain conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The light particles (photons) knock electrons off the atoms on the surface of the semiconductor, producing an electrical charge. Basically, the cells become like mini batteries with a negative and positive end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The charge from each of the solar cells is collected as DC electricity that is channelled through an inverter<\/em> that converts it to AC electricity for use in the home (or commercial building).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And there you have the essential difference between solar thermal energy and solar PV: one provides heat only, while the other provides electricity that has multiple uses, making solar photovoltaic panels more versatile and, perhaps, a better investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While they both use solar power, as in the sun's rays, the technology is vastly different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like to know more about how solar panels work, see our separate blog called what is solar PV <\/em>as we go into detail on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related service: \u201c<\/em><\/strong>Solar PV Installation<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u201d.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Which Costs More - Solar Thermal Or PV Systems?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a tricky one, as there are several things that complicate the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, it depends on the size of the system being fitted and the maximum power output of the array. After this, there are many other factors to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some approximate figures as a general guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar Thermal Panels<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Solar thermal systems typically cost between \u00a33,000 and \u00a36,000, with the average price for the UK coming in at around \u00a34,500. This price includes (or should<\/em> include) installation, materials, pipes, panels and a hot water tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The figure is based on a system with a 250-litre cylinder and a 5m\u00b2 solar thermal collector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, you have to consider battery storage for PV panels. This adds a considerable expense, somewhere between \u00a31,000 and \u00a36,000, but without this, you are still reliant on power from the national grid and you won't be able to sell excess electricity back to the energy companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related post: \u201c<\/em><\/strong>how much does a solar panel installation cost<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u201d.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lifespan: How Long Does Each System Last?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This could be a deciding factor for many consumers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, solar PV panels last for between 30 and 40 years, while solar thermal panels have a lifespan of around half this time, at approximately 20 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, while PV panels generally require very little maintenance throughout their life, thermal panels have a lot of moving parts that may need regular attention. According to some experts, this can add up to between \u00a3100 and \u00a3200 per year to keep your system running smoothly, while others suggest that a checkup every three years is fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, opinions and advice about solar panel maintenance vary drastically depending on who you ask. Some suggest that anyone trying to get you to sign up for a regular maintenance program is only after your money, as it isn't really necessary. In the end, it will come down to using common sense and getting advice from your installer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, most experts recommend that both types of panels are inspected and serviced fairly frequently as this helps to avoid long-term problems and keeps them running at maximum efficiency. Solar thermal systems will need to be flushed out at least<\/strong> every five years as the glycol (which stops the liquid from freezing) will become less efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keeping The Panels Clean<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Some sources even suggest that solar panels don't need to be washed as they are self-cleaning, but this is misleading; they are designed to be hydrophobic<\/em>, meaning that rainwater can't stay on the surface. However, that doesn't mean that every bit of dust and dirt will be washed away, and it certainly won't work for bird droppings! Leaves can be a problem, too, as they stick to the surface and begin to rot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related post: \u201c<\/em><\/strong>how much does it cost to pigeon proof solar panels<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u201d.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can help by washing the panels a couple of times a year with warm soapy water to remove all the muck and debris. But only do this if your roof space is easily accessible and you can do the job safely. <\/strong>On balance, it's usually better to arrange a regular cleaning schedule with the installers or find a local cleaning service to perform the task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cost Effectiveness: Solar PV Vs Solar Thermal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It looks like photovoltaic cells are the winners here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let's examine the facts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar Thermal<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Although thermal energy solar panels usually operate between 70% and 90% efficiency (especially if you install flat plate <\/em>panels), they only provide domestic hot water in most cases. It is possible, under certain conditions, to connect solar thermal technology to your central heating equipment. So, as well as heating water, this system can also heat your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there's a catch: your hot water cylinder and heating system must be compatible with the solar thermal panels. This means extra expense, as you may need to install an entirely new central heating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your solar thermal panels have been fitted, you will begin to benefit from lower energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar PV<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These are significantly less efficient than solar thermal technology, operating at between 15 and 20%. Even so, they are still a worthwhile investment when fitted professionally and used correctly. In fact, installing solar PV panels can cut your energy bills by at least 70%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of solar PV technology is that it is versatile; the photovoltaic effect produces electricity rather than heat, and this can be used to power your home or business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What's more, on days when the system produces surplus energy, this can be sold back to the grid, so you recover your installation costs sooner as well as getting free solar energy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The catch here is that you need battery storage, which, as we've seen, involves significant expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, you become 100% energy independent and you can make money through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)<\/a>. This scheme replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) that ended in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FiT scheme was, in some ways, better as it operated on a fixed-rate tariff. Under SEG, the energy suppliers set their own rates, so you need to shop around for the best one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line is that the solar photovoltaic system offers a quicker return on your investment, allowing you to recover the initial cost sooner - as long as you are using SEG (or a similar scheme) to sell excess solar energy. Some sources suggest that without SEG, you may need to wait for between 20 and 60 (yes, SIXTY) years to break even, and that with SEG you can cut that waiting time to around 15 or 16 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the current turmoil surrounding inflation, the cost of living crisis and soaring energy prices means that you are more likely to break even within a decade, possibly in as little as 5 or 7 years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar PV Vs Solar Thermal - Which Is Best?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On paper, you might imagine that solar PV panels are the better of the two, and that would be a justifiable conclusion. However, both are excellent ways to reduce your carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. They also potentially offer huge savings on your energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As to which is the best, it really depends on your individual needs and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here's a summary of the two types to highlight the differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar Thermal Panels -<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n