Translation guide
A device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. In Japanese, the most common term is 太陽電池, but related terms like ソーラーパネル and 太陽光パネル are also used depending on context.
The most common and direct translation for 'solar cell' as a device that converts light to electricity.
Standard technical and everyday term for a solar cell. Can refer to a single cell or the technology in general.
この太陽電池は変換効率が高い。
This solar cell has high conversion efficiency.
太陽電池の研究が進んでいる。
Research on solar cells is advancing.
Loanword from English, used in technical or product contexts. Less common than 太陽電池 but understood.
この製品は高効率のソーラーセルを採用しています。
This product uses high-efficiency solar cells.
When referring to a panel made up of multiple solar cells, often used in everyday conversation about rooftop installations.
Common term for a solar panel, especially in consumer contexts like home solar systems.
屋根にソーラーパネルを設置した。
We installed solar panels on the roof.
Explicitly 'solar cell panel', used in technical specifications.
太陽電池パネルの出力を測定する。
Measure the output of the solar cell panel.
When 'solar cell' is used loosely to mean the entire system that generates electricity from sunlight.
Full term for a photovoltaic power generation system. Often shortened in conversation.
太陽光発電システムを導入する家庭が増えている。
More households are installing solar power generation systems.
Short for solar power generation. Often used in compound nouns like 太陽光発電所 (solar power plant).
太陽光発電は再生可能エネルギーの一つだ。
Solar power generation is one type of renewable energy.
太陽電池 refers to the individual cell that converts light to electricity, while ソーラーパネル refers to a panel made of many cells. In casual English, 'solar cell' and 'solar panel' are sometimes used interchangeably, but in Japanese the distinction is clearer. Use 太陽電池 for the technology or a single cell, and ソーラーパネル for the physical panel you see on roofs.
この電卓は太陽電池で動く。
This calculator runs on a solar cell.
彼らは高効率の太陽電池を製造している。
They manufacture high-efficiency solar cells.
Literally 'sunlight panel', used interchangeably with ソーラーパネル. Slightly more formal or descriptive.
太陽光パネルの価格が下がっている。
The price of solar panels is falling.