How do solar thermal systems differ from solar photovoltaic panels?

How do solar thermal systems differ from solar photovoltaic panels?

• A. Solar thermal systems capture heat, while photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity.
• B. Solar thermal systems produce electricity directly, PV stores heat.
• C. They perform the same function with different materials.
• D. PV systems require mirrors to focus sunlight.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how each solar technology converts sunlight into energy. Solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat a fluid or molten salt, storing that heat for later use to produce steam and drive a turbine or provide direct heating. Photovoltaic panels, on the other hand, convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells, without an intermediate heat stage. That’s why the statement that distinguishes heat capture from direct electricity generation is correct. The other choices mix up what each system does—PV doesn’t store heat, solar thermal doesn’t produce electricity directly in a single step like PV, and PV doesn’t inherently require mirrors.

The main idea is how each solar technology converts sunlight into energy. Solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat a fluid or molten salt, storing that heat for later use to produce steam and drive a turbine or provide direct heating. Photovoltaic panels, on the other hand, convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells, without an intermediate heat stage. That’s why the statement that distinguishes heat capture from direct electricity generation is correct. The other choices mix up what each system does—PV doesn’t store heat, solar thermal doesn’t produce electricity directly in a single step like PV, and PV doesn’t inherently require mirrors.