If you're thinking about using solar energy, you first need to know the two different ways to harness the sun's energy. Learn about the types of solar energy and see the differences.

The two most popular types of solar energy are photovoltaic solar energy and solar thermal energy. Photovoltaic energy generates electricity directly from sunlight. Solar thermal energy (known as a "solar heater") uses the sun's heat to heat liquids.

Photovoltaic (PV) technology directly converts sunlight into electricity. The constant advancement of this technology is providing an increase in the electricity supply capacity worldwide, allowing photovoltaic solar energy to be a viable, low-cost option with minimal maintenance.

Solar Panels usually have a bluish or black appearance and are installed in groups called photovoltaic systems. Photovoltaic solar panels are used in homes, businesses or industries mainly to generate electricity and reduce the electricity bill.

Another type of solar energy is solar thermal energy, which uses the sun's heat directly to heat another medium, usually water. Solar thermal systems use collectors (also known as plates) or vacuum tubes to capture the sun's heat and transfer the heat to a liquid (water).

Solar thermal energy is normally used to produce hot water for bathing or industrial processes. On rainy days, there probably won't be enough sun to generate all the hot water you need, so solar heaters also have either an electric heater or a gas heater to help achieve the ideal water temperature. In any case, they are extremely efficient and reduce energy consumption for heating water by up to 80%.

There are several aspects to be evaluated when choosing the best option for your property, between solar thermal or photovoltaic energy. Thus, one of them captures sunlight to heat fluids, while the other converts sunlight into electrical energy, respectively.

Therefore, the difference between the two is easily identified: thermal energy provides solar heating for your property and photovoltaic energy generates electricity. That is, thermal energy can be used at some points of your residence or establishment, and solar energy acts in all operations through your photovoltaic system.

In this way, it is valid to consider the acquisition costs and analyze the investment of your project in the long term, since the photovoltaic solar energy system has a useful life of up to 25 years. As it is a more expensive option, it is necessary to weigh its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

Solar thermal energy:

• Easy and quick installation;

• It has the aid of natural gas as a less polluting form of consumption;

• It can be used in thermal power plants in different ways, such as: sugarcane bagasse and cereal husks.

Photovoltaic Solar Energy:

• It is a fully renewable resource;

• Does not pollute the environment;

• It has minimal maintenance.

Disadvantages

Solar thermal energy:

• Burning of petroleum derivatives;

• Impacts on the heating of water in rivers;

• High spending on the purchase of fossil fuels.

Photovoltaic Solar Energy:

• High acquisition cost;

• Cannot be used overnight;

• Lack of government incentives in Brazil.