Though similar in name, zonnepanelen and solar panels are in fact two very different types of energy. Zonnepanelen are a specific type of photovoltaic (PV) systems first used in Europe and are beneficial for use in countries with taxing energy sources like coal. Solar panels refer to a generic term to describe PV systems that convert sunlight into electricity or heating systems. This type of energy has become increasingly popular due to its cost savings and renewable status.
Zonnepanelen were first used in the Netherlands in the mid-1980s as a replacement for energy sources such as coal, which were heavily taxed by the government. These systems used a crystalline type of PV cell which was later replaced with an amorphous silicon PV cell. The efficiency of zonnepanelen is significantly higher than that of standard solar panels due to its special design.
Solar panels are a general term used to refer to PV systems that use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity or heating. They are typically used in residential settings or to power small devices such as light fixtures or cell phone chargers. These types of systems are typically cheaper to install than zonnepanelen and also come in a variety of sizes to meet the energy requirements of a particular property. The efficiency of solar panels is lower than zonnepanelen due to their generic design.
Both zonnepanelen and solar panels provide an environmentally friendly energy option, but their different designs and efficiencies provide varying benefits that make them better suited to certain locations and circumstances. Zonnepanelen are great for those looking for a more efficient PV system, while solar panels are better suited to those needing a more cost-effective and practical option. With the rising popularity of renewable energy, its no surprise that these two types of energy are becoming more and more commonplace.