Solar thermal collectors (Evacuated tubes)

Solar thermal collectors are a kind of home solar panel that contains liquid that circulates through the panel, and is heated by the sunlight. This then passes through a coil in the water tank which in turn heats the water stored in the tank. 

For this type of solar energy you will need a different water tank or cylinder to those traditionally used in the home, as these need to have more heat storing capacities. This therefore makes them significantly larger in size. Also, a twin coil cylinder is needed for this kind of application as one coil will be receiving the heat from the collector on the roof and the other coil is used to supply heat from your other main heat source when solar energy (i.e. sunlight) is insufficient.  

These kinds of systems only work efficiently when the suns rays actually reach the panels ie. the sun must be out.

Solar photovoltaic

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules generate and store electricity from the sun’s energy through the use of rechargeable battery packs. They produce energy that contributes to the running of appliances and lighting within the home whilst emitting no greenhouse gases. 

Solar photovoltaic requires only daylight rather than direct sunlight to generate electricity, so it does not matter whether the sun is out or not – they will still generate electricity.