SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: tejek who wrote (398351)7/13/2008 5:43:11 PM
From: Joe NYC  Read Replies (1) of 1577131
 
Ted,

Do you know the difference between solar PV plants vs solar thermal plants?

PV stands for photo voltaic. The panel generates electricity directly. You have a panel, and the only output may be 2 wires through which electric current will flow. This is extremely flexible where it can be mounted and applied. The problem is limited efficiency and cost. But as years go by, both the efficiency and cost are improving.

Solar thermal is a series of mirrors that heat a liquid (water?) which expands with heat and it powers a generator which in turn generates electricity. They are more efficient and can be relatively cheap, but you need some scale (large installation) for the efficiencies to kick in.

For a homeowner, solar thermal for power generation does not make sense. A homeowner can use PV panels or, there are apparently some small solar thermal panels that can be used for hot water in the house (not for electricity) - but I have not really looked into those.

Joe
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News