Whats the difference between PV and other solar energy technologies?
There are four main types of solar energy technologies: 1. Photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight directly to electricity by means of PV cells made of semiconductor materials. 2. Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, which concentrate the sun’s energy using reflective devices such as troughs or mirror panels to produce heat that is then used to generate electricity. 3. Solar water heating systems, which contain a solar collector that faces the sun and either heats water directly or heats a “working fluid” that, in turn, is used to heat water. 4. Transpired solar collectors, or “solar walls,” which use solar energy to preheat ventilation air for a building. Other Resources: For tips on saving energy and using solar and other renewable energy technologies in your home, please visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s consumer information Web pages To learn more about PV and solar hot water systems, please visit the Florida Solar Energy Center site.
There are two main types of solar energy technologies: • Photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight directly to electricity by means of PV cells made of semiconductor materials. • Solar water heating systems, which contain a solar collector that faces the sun and either heats water directly or heats a “working fluid” that, in turn, is used to heat water.
There are four main types of solar energy technologies: • Photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight directly to electricity by means of PV cells made of semiconductor materials. • Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, which concentrate the sun’s energy using reflective devices such as troughs or mirror panels to produce heat that is then used to generate electricity. • Solar water heating systems, which contain a solar collector that faces the sun and either heats water directly or heats a “working fluid” which is used to heat water. • Transpired solar collectors, or “solar walls,” which use solar energy to preheat ventilation air for a building.
