Could you throw some long scientific words in with your answer so I can impress my teacher, I'm looking to expand my scientific vocab. Thanks
Solar panels are a generic term for any type of solar collecting panel. There are two major types: Photovoltaic uses substances that turn the incoming radiation directly into electricity. Usually you have to have direct sunlight (no clouds) for this to work well. Solar thermal is also used in a lot of areas. Here the radiation is used to heat a circulating fluid (often water directly), and then that is either used directly, or it's used for heat exchange with a heat pump or a boiler system. Solar thermal can collect significant heat even on a cloudy day. So a solar panel could be made of photovoltaic panels, but it doesn't have to be.
Actually Photovoltaic cells also called solar cells in collection forms solar panel. Photovoltaic cells consist of silicon for converting solar energy into electrical energy.
