Solar PV Panel on top of Solar Thermal Panel

sandiegolloyd · 04-04-14, 10:48 AM

I am designing and installing a Solar PV Panel System for my south facing roof. Can I put the Solar PV panels directly over my Solar thermal panels (six inches above) and not impact the efficiency of the thermal panels too much? Roof is south facing and I use my thermal panels to heat my pool Thanks.

Exeric · 04-04-14, 05:11 PM

I wouldn't count on it for one second. Just common sense says you'll be shading the solar thermal panels from direct infrared radiation of solar thermal energy. Plus, which is equally important, if you do it you'll be giving all of us fellow Californians a bad name.

where2 · 04-04-14, 06:26 PM

Pool panels, NO.

If you want to heat domestic hot water, there are devices to do that... SunDrum Solar makes a back plate for some PV panels to heat water while the panels generate electricity. Last time I checked, each back plate was around $800.

04-04-14, 10:48 AM	#1
sandiegolloyd Lurking Renovator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San diego Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Solar PV Panel on top of Solar Thermal Panel I am designing and installing a Solar PV Panel System for my south facing roof. Can I put the Solar PV panels directly over my Solar thermal panels (six inches above) and not impact the efficiency of the thermal panels too much? Roof is south facing and I use my thermal panels to heat my pool Thanks.

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04-04-14, 05:11 PM	#2
Exeric Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: California Posts: 274 Thanks: 19 Thanked 37 Times in 28 Posts	I wouldn't count on it for one second. Just common sense says you'll be shading the solar thermal panels from direct infrared radiation of solar thermal energy. Plus, which is equally important, if you do it you'll be giving all of us fellow Californians a bad name.

04-04-14, 06:26 PM	#3
where2 DIY Geek Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 401 Thanks: 74 Thanked 83 Times in 73 Posts	Pool panels, NO. If you want to heat domestic hot water, there are devices to do that... SunDrum Solar makes a back plate for some PV panels to heat water while the panels generate electricity. Last time I checked, each back plate was around $800.