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.
solar cell (single device)
The most common and direct translation for 'solar cell' as a device that converts light to electricity.
When referring to a panel made up of multiple solar cells, often used in everyday conversation about rooftop installations.
When 'solar cell' is used loosely to mean the entire system that generates electricity from sunlight.
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.
This calculator runs on a solar cell.
They manufacture high-efficiency solar cells.
太陽電池の研究が進んでいる。
Research on solar cells is advancing.
This product uses high-efficiency solar cells.
Literally 'sunlight panel', used interchangeably with ソーラーパネル. Slightly more formal or descriptive.
The price of solar panels is falling.
Measure the output of the solar cell panel.
Short for solar power generation. Often used in compound nouns like 太陽光発電所 (solar power plant).
Solar power generation is one type of renewable energy.