Solar Thermal Vs. Photovoltaic Systems
Do you want to reduce your utility costs and help the environment at the same time? What about using the sun to power your home? There are two different kinds of solar power that have been gaining in popularity in recent years.
Solar thermal is usually black with a matte finish. It collects heat energy from the sun and can be used to heat things. You often hear about solar hot water heaters. These are powered by solar thermal systems. The system heats water or another liquid, then the heat is transferred to water or air, or whatever you want to warm up. Commercially, solar thermal systems are used to power steam turbines. Lets look at the pros and cons of using solar thermal in your home.
Pros
Solar thermal systems are up to 70% efficient in collecting heat energy from the sun.
The technology is dependable and less complex than photovoltaics. This translates into lower costs and shorter payback periods, typically 3-5 year.
Less roof space is required than photovoltaic solar panels.
Cons
There is less thermal energy to collect in the winter, which is when you need to heat air and water more. Conversely, they experience peak performance in warmer weather, when you need the heat less.
Solar thermal systems are not as versatile as photovoltaics. Their energy can only be used to heat things. It cant be converted into electricity and used to power air conditioners and refrigerators.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
What is the different prices between solar panels and dams?
i need to know an estimation fo a project!!!!-
ANSWER:
It Really depends how big the dam is and how many solar panels. need specifications.
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QUESTION:
Solar Panels Prices?
I am a strong believer of solar power. Why are they so expensive? I'm am not going to pay 15-30 thousand dollars for them I cant afford them. Also, Does Al Gore have solar power? How about the rest of the Hollywood and Political activists? Are the rich or wealthy doing there part in buying solar or wind? How do we bring down the cost of solar panels? As they get more popular they get more expensive.-
ANSWER:
I'm also a strong believer in solar but like you said its to expensive. Check out this company. I think you would be interested in what they have to offer.
http://www.jointhesolution.com/therisingsun
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QUESTION:
Explain different reasons why prices of solar panels must be dropped, please be particular and longer, longer?-
ANSWER:
In the long term, the price of technology goods has a floor at the raw material cost. Solar panels are not at this point, yet, so in the long term, I expect price drops.In the short term, the market forces of supply and demand will dominate. There is capacity for much greater supply, but manufacturers have scaled back in the slowing economy. One would think that the economy would have killed demand, but yet I see vigorous demand in my local region. So it's chaotic - hard to say which way prices will go in the next few months.
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