Understanding P.V. vs. Solar Thermal
Building-Integrated Photo-Voltaics (BIPV)
Solar PV panels are increasingly incorporated into new domestic and industrial buildings as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power, and are one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry. 
Typically, an array is incorporated into the roof or walls of a building, and roof tiles with integrated PV cells can now be purchased. Arrays can also be retrofitted into existing buildings; in this case they are usually fitted on top of the existing roof structure. Alternatively, an array can be located separately from the building but connected by cable to supply power for the building.
Medium Temperature Solar Thermal Collectors
These collectors could be used to produce approximately 50% and more of the hot water needed for residential and commercial use in the United States. In DC, VA, and MD markets, a typical system costs $5000–$7500 and 30% of the system qualifies for a federal tax credit ANDadditional state credits in MD.
With these incentives, the payback time for a typical household is four to nine years, depending on the state. A crew of one solar plumber and two assistants can install a system per day.
Typical solar thermal install reduces a households' operating costs by $6 per person per month and can reduce CO2 emissions by over 1 ton/year (2000 lbs/yr). |