In: Articles0

 

Solar Panels (2)There are two kinds of solar panel systems, solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV). Each use solar panels to allow us to use solar energy. Solar energy is when a photon is absorbed and then turned into heat or electrical energy. Photons are light particles and trillions of them fill the Earth’s atmosphere. Photons are a great source of renewable energy. Although both solar thermal and PV panels allow us to use solar energy, they do it in different ways.

 

If you want heat, think solar thermal. When a photon is converted into heat, it creates thermal energy. Solar thermal panels absorb the radiation from sunlight and convert it into heat. When a photon strikes a solar thermal panel’s surface it absorbs the heat and is transferred into a usable form by heating water or another heat transfer fluid. Ethylene glycol is commonly used in solar thermal panels. The water or heat transfer fluid then transports the heat energy to where it will be used.

Sunvelope solar panels for hot water shown on the Haven™
Sunvelope solar panels for hot water shown on the Haven™

 

The solar thermal panels used in one Envirohaven location are created by Sunvelope and were uniquely designed by Auguste Lemaire. You can learn more about this design in this short video.

Auguste Lemaire  believes that “the greatest shower experience is taking a long hot shower in yesterday’s sun first thing in the morning.” You can see the two Sunvelope panels on the Haven™  in this photo.

 

Photovoltaic solar panels producing electricity
Photovoltaic solar panels producing electricity

When you want electricity think PV panels. Photovoltaic panels, or PV panels, absorb photons and turn them into electrical energy. Semiconductor crystals are used in the panels to yield specific properties that can be used in electrical circuits.There are three kinds of PV systems. Intertie, which work with the utility grid; standalone, which are off-grid systems that require batteries; and hybrid systems, which are both connected to the grid and have battery backup. In the intertie system, your homegrown power generator is connected into the public utility grid so you can sell back excess power. The Envirohaven, near Lovelock is a standalone, off grid system.

The Haven™ design uses less electricity. Lower demand for electricity reduces the amount of solar panels needed, ultimately contributing to the creation of lower building and maintenance costs. With an increase on low-cost technologies solar energy has a sustainable future. Next time you’re looking at solar panels, take a minute to think about what they’re creating and what kind of solar panels would work best for you.