Ask Solar Mango

What is the principle behind the technology?

• Converts solar energy into heat.

• Directly converts solar energy into electricity.

• Solar thermal systems usually come with collectors that face the sun and absorb heat. This heat is then transferred to either water or another heating fluid.

• Solar PV consists of arrays of cells made of semiconductor materials that are designed to convert sunlight into electricity.

• Solar thermal systems are most commonly used for direct heating applications. Solar water heater is the most common application of solar thermal systems.
•  These systems can also be used for power generation where a heated fluid is used to drive a generator to deliver electricity.

• Solar PV systems are used for power generation as an alternative source of energy.

• Solar thermal systems convert sunlight to heat energy with efficiency between 70-90%, depending on the type of system chosen.

• Solar PV systems convert sunlight to electricity typically within an efficiency rate of 15-21%, though these numbers are expected to rise to some extent with advances in technology.