Solar Power or Solar Energy: What's the Difference?

Often, the terms "solar power" and "solar energy" are used interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same.

"Solar energy" is a generic term that describes capturing and using any energy from the sun, including solar heating and solar daylighting. Solar energy may be used in a passive solar setup, in which a building is oriented and designed to make the most of the sun's heat, or it may be used in something as simple as a solar oven.

The difference in solar power vs. solar energy is that solar power is a specific type of solar energy that involves electricity. Solar power is electricity that's generated using the sun's rays. Usually, when the topic of solar power comes up, it's specifically meant to talk about the use of solar panels in a residential or commercial setting.