Evacuated tube or flat tube solar panels

Solar panels have the mission of transforming solar energy into thermal energy. Considering the ever-increasing costs of bills for essential utilities in a home, with the help of solar panels it is possible to have both domestic hot water and heating. You thus obtain thermal comfort at lower prices and, in addition, you protect the environment thanks to the ecological operating properties. In this article we talk about the types of solar panels, with their relative advantages and disadvantages, that you can purchase and install on the roof of your home.

Evacuated tube solar panels

This type of solar panels allows solar energy to be captured in vacuum tubes, which can be of two types: pressurized or non-pressurized.

Pressurized vacuum tubes, with a controller that requires connection to an electrical power source, are suitable for year-round use, but only to the extent that a two-coil boiler inside the house. With no boiler, just an external tank above the pipes, in winter there is a risk of the supply pipes freezing and breaking. These panels, while better in terms of water pressure, require specialized installation and proper maintenance.

Non-pressurized vacuum tubes, which operate without any source of electricity, with hot water falling by gravity from the external tank, will operate from spring to late autumn, or about 8 months of the year. They are the most popular solar panels in our country, they have affordable purchase costs, they are easy to assemble and maintain, without technical complications.

Vacuum tube efficiency

Evacuated tube solar panels are up to 40% more efficient than flat surface solar panels, which we will discuss below. But be careful, the quality of production and the manufacturer matter.

Advantages and disadvantages of evacuated tube solar panels

• Consistent efficiency all year round, regardless of the season. The cylindrical shape of the tubes has the advantage of collecting sunlight throughout the day.
• They have effective thermal insulation (vacuum) against wind and low temperatures (below 0 degrees), so they can be effective even when it’s cold outside. Theoretically, there are no heat losses through a vacuum. Furthermore, the absorption plate has a selective layer that prevents heat loss by thermal radiation.
• Replacing the solar panel tube is relatively simple and, more importantly, without the need to drain the system.
• Greater durability as it has greater wear resistance.

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Flat solar panels

This type of solar panel captures solar energy on a flat surface (fiberglass) with uniform absorption.

Efficiency flat solar panels

The efficiency of flat solar panels is somewhat close to that of evacuated tubes, but only on the warmest days of the year. In other words, their efficiency is maximum on summer days or in full sun in the rest of the seasons.

Advantages and disadvantages of flat solar panels

• They have maximum performance when the sun’s rays fall perpendicular to the flat surface that characterizes them. Precisely from this point of view the yield can be higher than that with collector tubes. However, the technology of the absorber used, i.e. its constituent elements (copper-copper, copper-aluminium), is also very important.
• Flat solar panels are not very efficient during periods of low outdoor temperatures. So, in the winter you will have to deal with some heat loss. However, they will also produce hot water in the cold season.
• In snow-prone areas, flat panel surfaces are cleared of snow more quickly, which affects the performance of any type of solar panel. We can say that their flatness is a clear advantage in this context.
• Since there are also customers who care about the aesthetics of their home roof, flat solar panels are obviously more attractive.
• Repair or replacement of the panels requires emptying the system. A defective planar solar panel is completely replaced.

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Tips for buying solar panels

Evacuated tube panels are great for homes that need a lot of domestic hot water at high temperatures throughout the year. Furthermore, they represent an excellent solution for those who want to contribute to the central heating of the house, especially with an underfloor heating system.

Flat surface panels can be ideal for holiday homes in the mountains or for homes in mountain areas where it often snows in winter. Additionally, because they can be integrated into the roof, they are great for discerning clients who want a modern exterior home design.

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Also take into account the following aspects:

• It takes into account the approximate consumption of the home, respectively the number of people who need to be served by the system;
• It evaluates energy efficiency, durability, but also a convenient guarantee that must be offered first and foremost by the manufacturer, not by the supplier or installation company;
• Turn to reliable manufacturers and suppliers with experience in the sector;
• Contact specialists to install the desired solar panels. They will also clarify any technical data that is not clear to you;
• You should also consider the quality of the equipment and accessories used to provide domestic hot water, such as boilers, recirculation pumppipes, connections, insulation, etc.

Overall, the annual heat output of the two types of solar panels can be similar. Both solutions are effective, depending on the context, needs and budget. Beyond the initial investment you will have to make, which will easily pay for itself over time, you will be able to enjoy the thermal comfort of your home.

Sursa photo: Shutterstock