As you may know, solar energy has become very popular but not all solar panels are the same. In this short document, I will outline the difference between the two most popular solar panel types.
Solar absorbers and solar cells work to produce different outputs (electrical energy or heat) they work in completely different ways outlined below.
Solar absorbers work by absorbing solar energy (solar radiation) and output the radiation as heat. In the case of solar cells the solar radiation from the sun is converted directly into electricity this has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of solar absorbers include heat transfer efficiency since the solar absorbers convert solar energy directly into heat reducing wasted electricity since there is only one transfer taking place. Whereas for solar cells to produce heat they first have to absorb solar radiation they transfer that radiation to an electrical store before they can make the transfer to outputting heat. For utilisation in heating systems solar absorbers would be significant since they cut down on the wasted energy since there are fewer conversions that have to take place to produce heat. Heating a home is arguably the best usage case since they are the most efficient system and they would be added to most heating systems in the home with relative ease. Although upgrading to solar-powered heating would provide relative ease there would be the issue of running new insulated copper tubes to the panels often on the roof of a home meaning that to most people solar absorbers wouldn't be a DIY process.
Since the heat absorbency of copper is low in comparison to other surfaces, for example, tungsten and hafnium carbide copper would be more optimal surfaces. Though these surfaces provide increased efficiency compared to other alternatives they are by no means perfect. The main issue with the usage of tungsten and hafnium carbide for solar absorption. The fact no material can absorb all wavelengths of light at the current moment. Though these materials are optimal since they provide the most efficient and broad coverage of the solar spectrum.
The best method to increase the efficiency and absorption of light is to engineer and optimise a substance.