Book 22, Question 58
How Is a Solar Water Heater Different From a Solar Panel?
Rooftops can use the Sun in two different ways. One makes hot water, and the other makes electricity. Many warm countries have solar water heaters on rooftops.
More fun facts
- A solar panel turns sunlight straight into electricity.
- Inside the panel, sunlight is soaked up by solar cells, which makes electric charges move.
- A solar water heater uses the sun's heat to warm water instead of making electricity.
- Solar water heaters can even preheat water for radiators or heated floors.
- They work best with an unshaded, south facing spot, such as a roof.
- Both flat solar water heaters and solar panels can use scattered sunlight, not just direct sunshine.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, eia.gov, U.S. Department of Energy
Questions kids ask
What are solar panels made of?
They are made of many solar cells, usually made with a material called silicon.