Solar Panels vs Solar Thermal Technology (December 2024)

Firstly, it’s important to understand that solar thermal and solar PV are two very different technologies. As the name suggests, solar thermal technology is used to collect sunlight and transform it into heat that is stored and later on transformed into electricity. Solar panels, on the other hand, utilise PV technology to capture sun rays and directly convert the sunlight into electricity.

Get up to 3 tailored quotes for a low-carbon solar energy system with GreenMatch. Whether you need solar PV panels or solar thermal for water heating, our trusted suppliers offer advice and competitive prices. Fill in our contact form to compare offers and choose the best one for your unique situation. No obligation, just clean, green energy.

Solar thermal power is usually used for water heating. It’s a simple technology: the panels on your roof are the collectors of sunlight, thus heating up the liquid in the tubes which is then transported into your cylinder ready for use.

Let’s take a closer look at solar thermal advantages:

And now let’s move to the downsides:

If you choose this option you are going to enjoy an energy solution that is superior compared to other sources of green energy. However, solar thermal is still considered to be an option exclusively for water heating, as that is its best function.

Solar PV panels are a relatively newer technology compared to thermal. There are few types of them - Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline and Thin-film solar panels. They absorb sunlight and transform it into electricity by utilising a silicon based technology.

Solar PV’s advantages include:

Impressive, but let’s look at some of the disadvantages now.

Just like with solar thermal, if you choose solar PV you are also going to enjoy having a superior green energy solution.

Both solar PV panels and solar thermal are great technologies that can provide you with clean green energy. However, deciding which one to choose can be quite difficult. Solar PV is by far the newest technology and is set for big success in the future. Still it matters what you need exactly, as solar thermal is your perfect solution for water heating.

A professional solar panel installer will be able to offer you both advice and a quote tailored to your unique situation. That way you know you're getting the best low-carbon system at the best price. At GreenMatch, we take it a step further by giving you the opportunity to compare different offers to choose the best one.

To get up to 3 tailored offers, all you have to do is fill in the contact form and GreenMatch will be in touch with quotes from trusted suppliers in your area. You're not obligated to accept any of the free quotes you receive.