Electric panels have electricity as their sole utility.
Electric systems are less expensive up-front than hydronic systems. If you are in an area where electricity is inexpensive electric could be the way to go. Water can be heated by almost any utility such as natural gas, propane, oil, electricity, wood or solar. According to the Radiant Panel Association, your choice will most likely depend on the energy costs of the available utility and the size of the project. A 1998 survey by the RPA reported data on over 7.5 million square feet of radiant heating installations.