There are various different types of solar panels, but they all have on common denominator; they all collect the energy of the sun and convert it into heat or electricity. This page offers a brief overview of the main types of solar panels available on a non-industrial scale.
Photovoltaic solar panels are those which convert the sun’s energy into electricity. These consist of multiple photovoltaic cells (or solar cells) which are connected together in a module, a number of which then make up the solar panels we recognise. These cells convert the solar energy directly into electricity which can then be used in the building to which the panels are associated.
There are then two other main types of solar panels, both of which are designed for heating water, known as solar thermal technology. These are basically either evacuated tubes or flat plate solar panels, both of which are based on a similar concept. In both cases tubes containing either liquid with anti-freeze or mains water are heated by the sun. The heat is then transferred to the water in the hot water/central heating system of the building, in the case of the liquid containing anti-freeze, or the heated mains water is taken back into the building’s system. That is, the water is either heated directly or indirectly.
In the case of flat plate solar panels, the tubes are covered by a dark reflective surface which acts as an absorber. Evacuated tube systems do not have this cover and these are considered more efficient in cooler climates such as in the UK.
