Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal panels are two different types of solar panels used for different purposes.
Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity, while solar thermal panels use sunlight to heat water or air for heating and hot water needs.
Photovoltaic cells made of semiconductor materials such as silicon convert sunlight into direct current.
An inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current, which is used in homes and businesses.
(Info from seia.org, nationalgrid.com, deegesolar.co.uk and eonenergy.com)
