Solar PV turns sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal uses sunlight to heat water directly. They look similar on a roof but serve different needs.

Solar thermal

• Heats water for homes, hotels, hospitals and similar buildings
• Efficient at its one job, since it avoids converting sunlight to electricity first
• Needs a plumbing connection and a storage tank

Solar PV

• Produces electricity that can run any load, including heat pumps and EV chargers
• Can export surplus power where net metering is available
• Needs a permit package with electrical drawings

Which is right?

If most of the energy bill is hot water, thermal can be the better fit. If the load is varied, or you want to electrify heating and transport, PV is more flexible. Some sites use both. An analysis of the building's usage and budget is the best way to decide.