Solar power harnesses energy from the Sun. We obtain electrical energy from photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight. We obtain thermal energy from the sun either directly or indirectly through systems that collect the heat and transfer it to other things such as air or water. In the most formal sense “solar panel” refers to devices that harness thermal energy from the sun and transfer it to a medium such as air or water. Further, photovoltaic cells, solar cells, photovoltaic panels or PV panels refer to devices that convert sun light energy into electrical energy. However, you will often find common language references of both kinds of devices as “solar panels”. This category contains non-commercial, scientific and educational references to solar energy science and engineering (technology) and the advancement of using solar energy by mainstream society. Topics include solar electrical energy and solar thermal energy technologies.