Solar advice
Solar thermal or photovoltaic: understanding the difference
Both technologies use sunlight, but provide different services. Before comparing quotes, decide whether your priority is hot water, electrical appliances or both.
Photovoltaics generate electricity
Modules convert light into electricity; an inverter adapts it to the intended use. Direct consumption requires simultaneous generation and demand. Storage and outage operation depend on the selected configuration.
Solar thermal generates heat
Thermal collectors capture solar heat for uses such as domestic hot water. Systems include collectors, storage and suitable hydraulic components. Depending on the design, backup heating supplements insufficient solar production.
Start with your main need
For hot water, describe occupants, usage and existing water heating. For electricity, prepare bills and equipment schedules. These assessments prevent comparing solutions that deliver different services.
Compare installation constraints
Both require checks of the roof, shade, access and structure. Thermal systems also need pipes and water storage; photovoltaic systems require an inverter, protections and electrical routing. Specify these works in each proposal.
Compare costs on equal scope
Include equipment, installation, adaptations, maintenance and after-sales support. Estimated savings should state consumption and operating assumptions. A personal assessment is more useful than a universal percentage.
Can both systems coexist?
They can be considered together when needs and the site justify it. Coordinate space, access and work through an overall layout rather than competing independent roof projects.
Frequently asked questions
Does a solar water heater supply sockets? A conventional thermal system heats water and does not generate electricity for sockets. Which should come first? Priorities, current consumption and the building determine the answer; a visit and compared scenarios support the decision. Novasolar can study both needs. References: public photovoltaic guide and ADEME solar thermal guide.
Technical references: guide public photovoltaïque ↗ · guide ADEME du solaire thermique ↗