Question

State one difference between solar cells and solar heating systems?

Answer 1

In a residential solar thermal system, called the Solar Heating System, the solar panels are of the Solar Thermal Collector type, which have the function of capturing the thermal energy of the solar radiation and transferring it to the water, heating it.
This water will be stored in a thermal reservoir, which will maintain its temperature until the moment of use.
The size of the reservoir and the area of solar thermal collectors (solar heating plates) required for the solar heating system vary according to the amount of hot water used in the residence.
This is simple to calculate after an interview with the residents, where the consumption profile will be studied according to the habits of bathing, washing utensils, clothes, etc.


In a residential solar photovoltaic generator system the solar panels are of the photovoltaic module type, consisting of photovoltaic solar cells that transform solar radiation into direct current electric energy.
For the operation of an on-grid photovoltaic solar system (connected to the grid) it is necessary to use a grid-tie inverter, which converts the energy generated into continuous currents by the photovoltaic solar panels into current electric energy Alternating.
The grid-tie inverter is then connected to the general picture of the residence, where it is in charge of mixing the solar energy (already in alternating current) with the power of the public network, allowing to use it in any apparatus or electrical equipment.

Answer 2

Solar photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, are arrays of silicon cells that can transforms light radiation into electricity. Solar heating system absorbs the heat from the sun and either transform it into electricity through s generator or uses the energy to heat homes and water.