Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-06 Origin: Site
If you’re in the solar industry, you’ve probably noticed that “panel” and “module” are often used interchangeably. A customer might ask for a dozen panels, while a supplier lists prices per module. So, which term is correct—and does the difference actually matter?
Let’s unpack these terms and their real meaning in today’s solar sector.
Technically speaking, “solar module” is the proper term for the product you install. A module is a single unit made up of interconnected photovoltaic (PV) cells, encased in a frame and protected by glass, designed specifically to produce DC electricity.
This is the terminology adopted by global standards bodies like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Certifications such as IEC 61215 and UL 61730 all reference “PV modules,” not panels.
So, if you’re reviewing spec sheets, engineering plans, or building permit applications, “module” is the term you’ll encounter—it’s the industry standard.
Here’s where things get nuanced: In on-the-ground practice and marketing, “solar panel” is ubiquitous. Homeowners, installers, sales teams, and even some manufacturers use it regularly. Walk a trade show floor or browse a solar company’s website, and “panel” will pop up constantly.
In everyday talk, “panel” has become the default term—and in most cases, it refers to the exact same thing as a single PV module.
Historically, “panel” might have described a group of modules or an assembled section of a solar system. But in the modern PV industry, that distinction has mostly faded away.
It depends on your audience:
· Use “module” when dealing with specifications, procurement, engineering, utility interconnection, or permitting. Using this term in professional documents prevents confusion and demonstrates technical precision.
· Use “panel” when speaking to homeowners, crafting advertising copy, or explaining concepts to a general audience.
At Mission Solar Energy, our products are officially categorized as PV modules—but we recognize that “solar panel” is the more familiar term for many who install, sell, or purchase them.
There’s no need to correct a customer who mentions “panels.” But as a solar professional, understanding the correct term (and when to use it) ensures accuracy and builds credibility—especially in technical discussions.
Whether you call it a panel or a module, what truly counts is performance—and Mission Solar’s products are engineered to deliver in real-world conditions.
Need product specifications, certifications, or clarity for your next project? We’re here to assist.
