Whats the difference between a solar water heating (SWH) system and a photovoltaic (PV or solar electric) system?
Solar water heating panels or solar collectors are completely different to solar photovoltaic panels. In a solar water heating system, water runs through pipes in the solar collector, and is heated up by the sun. A SWH system will only produce hot water, and installation may involve some changes to your plumbing system. In contrast, photovoltaic panels generate electricity, which can be used by a wide variety of appliances in your home. PV panels are based on the semiconductors used in the electronics industry. During installation of a PV system, there is little disruption to your home – all the components are on your roof or in your loft, apart from a meter and switch which can be installed by your main fusebox.
Solar water heating panels, also called solar collectors, are quite different from PV solar panels. In a SWH system, water passes through pipes in the solar collector and the sun heats the water. A SWH system will only produce hot water, and installation may involve some changes to your plumbing system. PV solar panels generate electricity, which can be used to power appliances. Installing a PV solar energy system causes little disruption to your home because apart from a meter and switch which can be installed by your main fusebox, all the components are outside or in your loft.
