Nearly 50{5ab75762cf707683d7af2475431dd95a23fbc9cf5cb8a45517116f350cf35bde} of US homeowners claim to have seriously considered moving to solar energy for their homes.

Solar comes with many benefits, but most homeowners do not know the differences between a solar module vs. solar panel.

The articles you read for solar research often use these terms interchangeably, but you should know the difference when you look to invest in solar energy.

Continue reading to learn about the parts that allow homeowners to take the leap into a better future with solar energy.

What Are Solar Cells?

Solar cells are also called photovoltaic cells. These are the cells that convert light into electrical energy.

When the sun shines its light on a solar cell, semiconductors in the solar cells convert that light to energy for your home.

The differences between a solar module vs. solar panel come down to structural differences. The solar cells themselves are both present in solar panels and solar modules.

For homeowners looking to switch to solar energy for the solar tax credit and incentives, it’s the solar cells that will qualify you for those.

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels contain many solar cells, which do the energy converting themselves. These solar panels organize the solar cells to absorb light as best they can.

There are two types of solar panels. Traditional solar panels are single-sided, meaning they convert the light on one side of the panel. There are also “bifacial” solar panels that can convert light energy on both sides.

After a lot of testing, researchers found out that energy was being lost when the light hit the back of the single-sided panel. These are the panels that you see on roofs.

You can still install bifacial panels at home, but you need to place them elsewhere. Bifacial panels barely cost more than traditional solar panels, and you can absorb much more energy from them.

Instead, many homeowners use bifacial solar panels on the ground. In places that have more reflective ground surfaces, like snow or sand, bifacial panels can boost your energy transfer.

What Are Solar Modules?

Solar modules are units that contain solar panels. When you want to install solar energy on your roof or next to your home, you want solar modules.

Still, many people search for solar panels when they mean solar modules. They are different, but manufacturers know what many customers mean when they ask for panels.

Many even market their products as panels, embracing what people call their modules.

Though many use the terms interchangeably, a solar module is the framed unit itself. Knowing the difference can help you better express what you want to purchase.

Solar Module vs. Solar Panel: Improve Your Home with Solar

Switching to solar energy is one of the major home improvement changes homeowners are making. It could be your next step to designing your perfect home.

Now that you know the differences between a solar module vs. solar panel, you can begin confidently talking with solar energy experts to switch your home to solar.

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