Published： March 28, 2026
Last Modified：August 5, 2026
Solar energy can be used in different ways.
Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight into electricity.
Solar thermal technology converts sunlight into heat.
Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) technology combines both approaches by generating electricity while recovering thermal energy from the same solar collector.
The fundamental difference is:
Solar thermal focuses only on heat generation, while PVT generates both electricity and heat.
The right choice depends on the project’s energy requirements, temperature needs, available space, and system design.
Solar thermal technology uses solar radiation to produce heat.
A solar thermal collector absorbs sunlight and transfers thermal energy to a heat transfer fluid.
Basic process:
Solar Radiation
↓
Solar Thermal Collector
↓
Heat Transfer Fluid
↓
Hot Water / Heating SystemTypical components include:
The objective is:
Convert solar energy into useful heat.
Common applications:
A photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector combines photovoltaic electricity generation with thermal energy recovery.
The collector contains:
Energy flow:
Solar Radiation
↓
PVT Collector
↓
Electricity
+
Thermal EnergyThe IEA SHC Task 60 describes PVT collectors as hybrid solar collectors combining photovoltaic electricity production and thermal energy generation.
Solar thermal collectors:
Sunlight
↓
Absorber
↓
Heat Transfer Fluid
↓
Thermal ApplicationOutput:
✓ Heat
PVT collectors:
Sunlight
↓
PV Cells
↓
Electricity
+
Thermal Absorber
↓
HeatOutput:
✓ Electricity
✓ Heat
Solar thermal and PVT are not direct competitors in every situation.
They solve different energy problems.
Solar thermal asks:
How can we produce renewable heat?
PVT asks:
How can we produce renewable electricity and heat from the same solar area?
Typical structure:
Solar Thermal Collector
↓
Pump / Controller
↓
Storage Tank
↓
Hot Water / HeatingMain engineering focus:
Typical structure:
PVT Collector
├── Electrical Output
│
└── Thermal OutputElectrical side:
PV Module
↓
Inverter
↓
Electrical LoadsThermal side:
Heat Exchanger
↓
Storage / Heat Pump / Heating SystemPVT requires coordination between electrical and thermal system design.
| Feature | Solar Thermal | PVT |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity generation | No | Yes |
| Heat generation | Yes | Yes |
| PV module included | No | Yes |
| Heat recovery from PV operation | No | Yes |
| Electrical self-consumption | No | Yes |
| Heat pump integration | Possible | Strong potential |
| Solar area utilization | Heat-focused | Electricity + heat |
Solar thermal collectors are optimized for:
They are designed primarily around thermal performance.
PVT systems must balance:
A higher thermal operating temperature may increase heat availability but can influence PV performance.
Therefore, PVT design requires balancing both energy outputs.
Both technologies can provide hot water.
Advantages:
Advantages:
PVT has particular value when integrated with heat pumps.
System concept:
PVT Collector
↓
Low Temperature Heat Source
↓
Heat Pump
↓
Heating / Hot WaterThe IEA SHC Task 60 identifies heat pump systems as an important application area for PVT technology.
When installation area is limited:
Solar thermal:
Produces heat only.
PVT:
Produces:
This can improve total energy utilization per available area.
Commercial buildings often require:
PVT can provide a combined renewable energy solution.
The selection should start from the energy demand.
✓ Only thermal energy is required.
✓ Electricity generation is not a priority.
✓ A dedicated heat production system is needed.
✓ Both electricity and heat are required.
✓ Roof space is limited.
✓ A heat pump system needs a renewable heat source.
✓ Maximizing total solar utilization is important.
| Project Requirement | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Electricity only | PV |
| Heat only | Solar Thermal |
| Electricity + Heat | PVT |
| Heat Pump Source | PVT |
| Limited Roof Area | PVT |
| Simple Heat Generation | Solar Thermal |
Produces:
One collector area serves two energy purposes.
Suitable for:
PVT also introduces:
This article is based on:
Final system selection should consider:
Not always.
PVT is better when both electricity and heat are valuable.
Solar thermal may be better when only heat production is required.
In suitable applications, yes.
Especially where electricity generation provides additional value.
Yes.
The thermal output of PVT can be used for hot water systems when properly designed.
No.
Solar thermal collectors are designed for heat production.
Because solar radiation contains both electrical conversion potential and thermal energy.
PVT captures both forms of energy.
Yes.
PVT is considered a promising renewable heat source option for heat pump systems.
The correct solution depends on:
Solis PVT provides technical guidance for selecting suitable solar thermal and photovoltaic thermal solutions.