Two primary types of solar panels—photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal panels—serve different purposes and operate on distinct principles. This blog post will explain the differences between these two technologies, their applications, and the advantages and. . This analogy mirrors the essential discussion about the main difference between solar and photovoltaic panels. Understanding their unique attributes can revolutionize choices in renewable energy solutions. The most commonly employed semiconductor is silicon. When sunlight hits these materials, photons excite electrons, creating an electric current in a process known as the. . Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. And they do it by using sunlight, too. When these photons hit the solar cells, they knock electrons loose.