is solar power and solar energy the same?

tends to be used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference. Solar power is typically the description used for the way a particular item gets its power from. Solar energy is the energy derived from solar power. You see, the difference is slight, the layperson will use either, but technically, there’s a diff.

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Solar energy – Direct energy from sun. also known as sun energy.
Solar power – % if Energy utilized from sun.

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There are two kinds of definitions the dictionary definition (denotative) and what the terms imply (connotative.) The wiki articles below begin to show you some of the connotative definitions. Even within the dictionary definitions there is a variety of general usage. In general you often seen the term solar power used with electrical applications like Solar photovoltaic panels. Solar energy is more often used in solar thermal applications like solar thermal panels and air conditioning, heat or hot water.

The terms “energy” and “power” are often confused and used inaccurately. For a scientific usage we would say that power is a force (energy) applied over time while energy is the force applied(kinetic energy) or capable (potential energy) to get a certain amount of work done. Units of energy are the calorie, BTU, joule and more confusingly kWh. Units of power would be horsepower and confusingly watts and kilowatts. 1joule / sec = 1 watt.

Solar power might be expressed in watts over an area for a duration of time. This is also known as insolation or irradiance.

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