Does Solar Thermal Use Solar Panels

Reflectors mirrors that capture and focus sunlight onto a receiver.

Does solar thermal use solar panels.

Differences between solar thermal and pv solar panels. In the case of a solar thermal panel we are trying to heat above the ambient temperature so conduction and convection will work against us by taking heat from the panel to the out side world. Solar thermal is currently used more often on large scale applications where lots of hot water is needed like a laundromat or a college dorm. Solar thermal uses the sun s energy to generate thermal energy which is used to heat water or other fluids.

The main source of heat generation is through roof mounted solar panels which are used in conjunction with a boiler collector or immersion heater. Solar thermal power electric generation systems collect and concentrate sunlight to produce the high temperature heat needed to generate electricity. All solar thermal power systems have solar energy collectors with two main components. The basic principle of solar thermal heating is to utilize the sun s energy and convert it into heat which is then transferred into your home or business heating system in the form of hot water and space heating.

This is then used to heat your water which is stored in a hot water cylinder. The only way you can get a higher temperature than ambient is by radiation therefore all solar collectors rely on solar radiation. Solar thermal panels use heat from the sun to warm fluid passing through them as the diagram below shows. The basic principals behind modern solar thermal systems.

Photovoltaic pv systems generate electricity rather than heat. Solar thermal power systems use concentrated solar energy. An immersion heater unvented hot water cylinder might be needed as a back up heater or to get the water to the temperature you want. Photovoltaic pv and concentrating solar thermal cst also known as concentrating solar power csp technologies.