Comparison - Solar Thermal & Solar Photovoltaic
Solar energy can be collected and used two ways. The oldest method is to let sunshine fall on an opaque material and turn into heat. A good example is a cat laying in a sunbeam coming through the window and enjoying the warmth. The second method is relatively recent and related to the photoelectric principle which Albert Einstein explained. This earned him a Noble Prize. Photovoltaic energy collection is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity. The best theoretical conversion of sunlight to electricity is about 33% efficiency. The best commercially available solar PV collectors are about 22% efficient, but are very costly. Mass produced, cost effective solar PV collectors can be as much as 17% efficient. This is to be compared to solar thermal water heating collectors are which typically at least 50% efficient. As a result, it is best to use solar thermal energy collection for water heating and not use solar photovoltaic energy collection to make electricity to power an electric water heater. Solar PV is the best way to make electricity for use by small electrical power users. It takes a large investment in equipment to use thermal energy to in a conventional steam turbine-generator cycle to make electricity. It is not economically viable for an individual home owner to convert solar thermal energy to electricity.
For small and large water heating applications, solar thermal energy collection is the best route. For small electrical generation, solar PV is best. For large electricity generation, either solar thermal with a steam turbine-generator cycle or solar PV can be the better choice, depending upon many factors. Yoked Corp. can perform the feasibility and economic studies needed to make the best choice.
See more detail on the following pages:
Solar Photovoltaics
Solar Thermal Energy
Solar energy can be collected and used two ways. The oldest method is to let sunshine fall on an opaque material and turn into heat. A good example is a cat laying in a sunbeam coming through the window and enjoying the warmth. The second method is relatively recent and related to the photoelectric principle which Albert Einstein explained. This earned him a Noble Prize. Photovoltaic energy collection is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity. The best theoretical conversion of sunlight to electricity is about 33% efficiency. The best commercially available solar PV collectors are about 22% efficient, but are very costly. Mass produced, cost effective solar PV collectors can be as much as 17% efficient. This is to be compared to solar thermal water heating collectors are which typically at least 50% efficient. As a result, it is best to use solar thermal energy collection for water heating and not use solar photovoltaic energy collection to make electricity to power an electric water heater. Solar PV is the best way to make electricity for use by small electrical power users. It takes a large investment in equipment to use thermal energy to in a conventional steam turbine-generator cycle to make electricity. It is not economically viable for an individual home owner to convert solar thermal energy to electricity.
For small and large water heating applications, solar thermal energy collection is the best route. For small electrical generation, solar PV is best. For large electricity generation, either solar thermal with a steam turbine-generator cycle or solar PV can be the better choice, depending upon many factors. Yoked Corp. can perform the feasibility and economic studies needed to make the best choice.
See more detail on the following pages:
Solar Photovoltaics
Solar Thermal Energy
