Solar Energy
Thermal and Photovoltaics

So, there are two kinds of Solar Power?

Energy from the sun can be harnessed in two ways from solar panels: heat or electricity. It is important to understand which is better for your needs.

Thermal Solar power is ideal for heating water which in turn can be used to heat your water or assist your furnace or boiler to heat your home. Typically solar heat will carry the loads during spring, summer, and fall and can lower your annual bills by 50-70%.

Photovoltaics (PV), or electric solar, is great for running your normal household appliances, such as computers, tv's, even your A/C with a large enough PV system. While it is possible to use PV to heat your home or water through straight electrical heating there is an efficiency loss due to converting heat to electricity back to heat again. PV systems are also more expensive, so the return on your investment is typically a longer period.

Lastly, the $2000 federal tax credit applies to both PV and Thermal systems and you can get one for each, as they are considered separate systems! The picture below is of a Thermal drainback system which is generally the easiest to implement in a previously existing structure. In Colorado, a general rule of thumb is ten square feet of thermal collectors (solar panels) per person in the house. So be sure to plan on this much free space if you are looking into installing both systems.