Geothermal vs. Solar Energy: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re interested in lowering your utility costs or reducing your impact on the environment, going green isn’t just for progressive thinkers. Here at Arronco, one of the most common questions we get is “What’s the difference between geothermal and solar energy?”. Here’s what you should know about geothermal vs. solar energy.

Geothermal

Understanding how geothermal heating works can help you determine if this type of heating system is right for your home and family. Regardless of your location, the soil merely 6 feet below the surface maintains a consistent 50°F year-round, regardless of the temperature above-ground.

Types of Geothermal Systems

Closed-loop geothermal systems pump water through your home and underground. Horizontal loops are often used when there’s enough space surrounding the home, as trenches tend to be 100 to 400 feet long. When this type of space is not available, vertical closed-loops are also available (see image at right). Vertical loops may require holes 150-300 feet deep, but these can be installed with minimal damage to your landscape. At Arronco, vertical loops account for about 85% of our installations due to the abundance of limestone in Kentucky and southern Ohio, which makes for easy, affordable drilling and great heat transfer properties.

Open-loop geothermal systems use groundwater from a well as a direct energy source. If you have a well at your home, this could be a very economical solution!

Learn more about types of geothermal loop systems »

Benefits of Geothermal Systems

• Efficiency: These systems offer superior performance with quiet operation and are more efficient than oil or gas heating. When it comes to consistently maintaining comfortable temperatures year-round, geothermal systems should certainly be considered.
• Lower utility costs: A smaller amount of electricity is used to heat and cool the water, while makes a significant impact in lowering your utility costs. Want to learn how much you could save? Check out this helpful geothermal savings calculator!
• Sustainability & eco–friendliness: Geothermal heating and cooling is a great sustainable and clean source of power that helps to reduce the impact on the environment.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is another great source of energy. While solar panels allow you to take advantage of the sun to produce almost, if not all, of the energy that’s needed to power your home. Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that can affect the performance of your solar energy system. From cloudy climates to extended rain periods, your solar panels may lose efficiency and begin to experience performance issues in certain circumstances.

Ask Your Local Heating, Cooling & Geothermal Experts for Advice

It’s important to consult with an experienced and reliable professional who can help determine if a geothermal system is right for your specific needs. We can help! Request your free consultation online today and discover how we can help lower your costs and increase the efficiency and performance of your home or business!