Solar energy is an excellent way to reduce energy bills and reliance on fossil fuels, but it’s important to consider the key differences between solar PV (photovoltaic) and solar thermal before deciding which system is best for you.
At Greenfields, we have extensive experience installing both solar PV and solar thermal systems. Our team understands the benefits and limitations of each and can provide expert guidance to help you choose the best solution for your property. Whether you’re looking to power your entire household or reduce your hot water heating costs, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, compare their benefits, and explain why solar PV is usually the best option for most property owners.
What is Solar PV?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic cells. This electricity can power everything in your home, including lighting, appliances, heating, and even hot water.
Key Benefits of Solar PV:
- Versatile Power Source – Powers all electrical devices in your home.
- Works Year-Round – Generates electricity even on cloudy days.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – Earn money by selling excess energy to the grid.
- Battery Storage Compatibility – Store excess power for use at night or during peak demand.
Greenfields installs significantly more solar PV systems than solar thermal systems, highlighting its popularity and practicality for most property owners.
What is Solar Thermal?
Solar thermal panels use the sun’s heat primarily to warm water for domestic use, such as showers, baths, and taps, but can also support central heating systems (radiators or underfloor heating), typically in combination with another heating source.
Key Benefits of Solar Thermal:
- Efficient for Water Heating – In the summer, it can provide up to 90% of your hot water needs, dropping to around 25% in the winter (source).
- Smaller Panel Area Required – Requires fewer panels than solar PV.
- Simple Technology – Less complex than PV, with a straightforward heating process.
However, solar thermal is limited to heating water only and requires a large hot water cylinder, making it less flexible than solar PV.
Key Differences Between Solar PV & Solar Thermal
Here’s how the two technologies compare:
| Feature | Solar PV | Solar Thermal |
|---|---|---|
| What it powers | Everything (appliances, heating, hot water) | Just hot water |
| Efficiency | Can be paired with battery storage, excess energy sold to the grid | ~70% efficiency but only for water heating |
| Year-round performance | Works all year, even on cloudy days | Best in summer, weaker in winter |
| Flexibility | Requires more panels, but no major indoor space | Needs a large hot water cylinder |
| Space requirement | Smaller panels, but needs an indoor cylinder | ~70% efficiency, but only for water heating |
| Return on Investment | Saves on all energy bills, earns SEG payments | Saves only on heating bills, no income from excess energy |
Which is Best for Your Property?
In most cases, solar PV is the best option because it generates electricity that can power your entire property, including heating, hot water, and appliances. It provides year-round savings, can be paired with battery storage for additional efficiency, and allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid. Solar thermal, on the other hand, is limited to water heating and requires a large hot water cylinder, making it less versatile for overall energy savings.
Why Solar PV is Usually the Best Option:
- It powers everything, not just hot water.
- Excess energy can be stored in a battery or sold back to the grid.
- It helps reduce overall energy bills, not just heating costs.
- It works year-round, even in winter.
When Solar Thermal Might Be the Best Option:
- You have a high hot-water demand (e.g., a large family, a swimming pool, a hotel, or a leisure facility).
- You have limited roof space and don’t need to save on electricity.
- You’re happy to keep your existing heating system and just want to reduce hot water costs.
For most property owners, solar PV provides better financial and practical benefits. It offers more flexibility, lower overall bills, and the potential to earn money through excess energy sales.
Both solar PV and solar thermal are great renewable energy solutions, but for most property owners, solar PV is the smarter investment. It reduces total energy costs, offers greater flexibility, and has better long-term value.
Greenfields installs both systems, but with the versatility and cost savings of solar PV, we recommend it as the best option for most property owners.
Get In Touch With Greenfields
Call us: 01768 210 241
Email us: info@greenfieldspenrith.com
Visit us: Unit 3a, East Lakes Business Park, Penrith CA11 9BB
Not sure which system is right for you? Contact Greenfields today for expert advice and a free consultation.