Solar Panels vs Solar Thermals

The prevalence of solar technologies has been on the rise in Ireland for years. With more and more Irish homeowners seeing the benefits, both environmental and financial, of solar solutions, many find themselves blinded by the sheer quantity of information now available on the market.

At Energy Quotes, clarity regarding our services has always been key. As such, supplying accurate product information pertaining to sustainable solutions to our consumers is a top priority. Today, we will be delving into one of the most important distinctions in the world of solar technology.

While both solar panels and solar thermals provide different benefits, each has their own unique set of strengths, and are of equal importance. As we will see, both solar PV as well as solar thermals can deliver long-term sustainability for homes and businesses in Ireland and can wind up saving a lot of money in the process.

What are Solar PV panels?

The term Solar PV Panels is short for solar photovoltaic panels. Simply put, these silicone semiconductors (often known as wafers) perform internal conversions of the sun’s radiant heat to electrical currents that can be used to power the home.

Within the panels, atoms collide with protons to create a strong electrical current. The direct electrical current (DC) must then be fed through a solar inverter. Within the inverter, the current is converted to alternating current (DC).

Crucial to understanding the electrical output of a solar array is the kilowatt-hour metric. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure the electrical output of a panel. With one kWh convertible to 1,000 watt-hours, using this measurement is useful for showing the system output of the panel over a period, rather than at an exact moment.

Now supplying nearly 150,000 Irish homes with some or all their electricity, solar panels have witnessed a significant uptick in prevalence over recent years. Seldom measuring more than a few metres in size, solar PV panels can easily be secured in places such as rooftops or gardens.

In addition to being a zero-emission source of electricity, solar PV panels also have the potential to help homeowners save big on energy bills. While a working array may cost anywhere from €6,000 to €18,000, the future-proof, and independent nature of electrical generation can see homeowners save up to €1,000 per year on electrical bills.

Moreover, a new and highly promising function known as Microgeneration has the potential to see homeowners with solar panels not only save money, but potentially earn some as well. Through the Irish Government’s Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), homeowners will have the opportunity to export excess energy generated from solar back to the grid for a payment. While the scheme is still in a nascent stage, the State has resolved to implement an “enduring solution” for the CEG program by the end of 2023.

Solar PV panels can last up to 25 years, and often come with a warranty. This ensures that, with proper cleaning and maintenance, homeowners can reap the benefits of solar technology for a long time. With Energy Quotes being privy to some of the best expertise in the Irish solar industry, it’s never a bad time to start exploring the options that work for you.

Understanding Solar Thermal

Often, solar PV is seen as the superior option, leaving a fleeting interest among homeowners in solar thermals. However, as we will see, solar thermal heating is a technology replete with its own future-proof functionalities and provides a host of sustainable answers in its own right.

The first thing to understand about solar thermals is that they are used to heat the home’s water supply. Unlike solar PV technology, the sun’s heat is not converted to electricity, but rather harnessed to cut out the need for less sustainable methods of water heating, such as boilers that burn fossil fuels and emit pollutants.

The first, and perhaps most significant advantage of solar thermals is their efficiency. Because the labourious task of converting heat to electricity does not occur, meaning that the amount of useable heat exceeds the amount of electricity generated by PV.

Flat-plate collectors are the most common solar thermals. Similar to PV panels, the dark, absorbing surface allows the sun’s heat to warm an internal fluid, usually comprised of glycol and water. This fluid can then be siphoned towards the water tank, saving up to 600 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per annum.

Contrary to what some might think, solar thermal technology can also work in colder climes. Vacuum tube collectors act as air-tight funnels for the heating fluid to travel through. Due to the fact that the sealed tubs structure allows snow and other precipitation to fall through, mitigating any cooling effects on the heating fluid.

Energy Quotes offers an array of professionals who can perform solar thermal installations. For those still on the fence about adopting solar PV technology, solar thermals can often provide a cheaper, less intrusive method to harness the sun’s energy for home use.

As we have seen with solar PV panels, homeowners who use solar thermals can expect to save big. Instead of paying for gas to heat the home’s water, about 70% of an average household’s hot water needs can be drawn from solar thermal technology. While solar thermals may not be as flashy as solar PV panels, they still provide an excellent, sustainable and cost-efficient method for homes and businesses around Ireland.

Start your Solar PV or thermal journey today

Whether your interest lies in solar PV panels, or exploring thermal options, Energy Quotes’ comprehensive relationship with top-level installation providers around the country will make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

Using the tool below, you can gain access to our wide range of qualified and accredited installers, who have ample experience in both solar and solar thermal solutions. Solar PV and solar thermals are not exclusive to one another and can be used in tandem to recreate your home’s energy use in the most cost-effective and sustainable way possible.