Translation guide
A device that converts sunlight into electricity, commonly used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
The most common, everyday way to refer to a solar panel, suitable for most contexts.
When discussing the technology, manufacturing, or specifications of solar panels.
Literally 'solar cell panel'. Often used in technical or industrial contexts to emphasize the photovoltaic cells.
この太陽電池パネルは変換効率が高い。
This solar panel has high conversion efficiency.
A panel that uses sunlight to heat water or air, rather than generate electricity.
Specifically refers to solar thermal panels. Use this to distinguish from photovoltaic panels.
太陽熱パネルでお湯を沸かしています。
We heat water using solar thermal panels.
Both mean 'solar panel' for electricity generation. 太陽光パネル is slightly more formal and precise (literally 'sunlight panel'), while ソーラーパネル is a common loanword. In everyday speech, they are interchangeable, but 太陽光パネル may be preferred in official documents or news.
政府は太陽光パネルの普及を推進している。
The government is promoting the spread of solar panels.
If you mean a panel that heats water, use 太陽熱パネル or ソーラーコレクター. Using 太陽光パネル for a water heating panel may cause confusion, as it implies electricity generation.
太陽光パネルを設置しようか検討中です。
We're thinking of installing solar panels.
屋根のソーラーパネルが汚れている。
The solar panels on the roof are dirty.
The standard term for a solar panel that generates electricity. Widely understood and used in both casual and formal settings.
屋根に太陽光パネルを設置しました。
We installed solar panels on the roof.
A common loanword from English. Very natural in conversation and advertising, though slightly less formal than 太陽光パネル.
ソーラーパネルのおかげで電気代が安くなった。
Thanks to the solar panels, our electricity bill went down.
Abbreviation for 'photovoltaic panel'. Used mainly in industry and technical documents.
PVパネルの価格が下がっている。
The price of PV panels is dropping.
Loanword for 'solar collector'. Common in technical contexts for solar water heating systems.
ソーラーコレクターを屋根に取り付けた。
We installed a solar collector on the roof.