Are solar panels and photovoltaic panels the same thing?

K

kitty

Member
I'm doing a science project, and one site states that they are different, while other sites use "solar panels" and "photovoltaic panels" interchangeably. So are they the same thing, or are they different?

If they're different, how do they differ?

Thanks!
Oh, okay. Thanks! :)

Are there any solar panels that heat up air, too?
 
K

kentuckylemon

New member
there are two types of solar panels, photovoltaic and thermal. Some new ones available soon do both.

photovoltaic produces electricity, thermal produces hot water
 
C

Cuttiefulgirl

New member
the solar panels and Photo voltatic panels are same things. because., Solar energy begins with the sun. Solar panels, also known as Photo voltaics, are used to convert light from the sun, which is composed of particles of energy called "photons", into electricity that can be used to power Elecrical loads. Light from the sun is a renewable energy resource which provides clean energy, produced by solar panels.

Solar panels can be used for a wide variety of applications including remote power systems for cabins, telecommunications equipment, remote sensing, and of course for the production of electricity by residential and commercial solar panel systems.
 
H

hipp5

New member
"Solar panel", is a pretty broad term. It could be used to describe photovoltaics (PV) but it could also be used to refer to solar heating or other methods. However, in common language "solar panel" usually refers to PV.
 
H

hipp5

New member
"Solar panel", is a pretty broad term. It could be used to describe photovoltaics (PV) but it could also be used to refer to solar heating or other methods. However, in common language "solar panel" usually refers to PV.
 
H

hipp5

New member
"Solar panel", is a pretty broad term. It could be used to describe photovoltaics (PV) but it could also be used to refer to solar heating or other methods. However, in common language "solar panel" usually refers to PV.
 
H

hipp5

New member
"Solar panel", is a pretty broad term. It could be used to describe photovoltaics (PV) but it could also be used to refer to solar heating or other methods. However, in common language "solar panel" usually refers to PV.
 
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