A solar energy power plant is a site where photovoltaic cells are amassed to gather radiant energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity. This generally applies only to solar installations which feed electricity into a utility grid, as opposed to panels installed for use within the same structure.

Photovoltaic cells perform the conversion from sunlight to electricity. The usage concerns the generating site rather than solar heating equipment.

Utility-grid supply is the usual distinction from panels installed solely for the building's own use. A rooftop panel installation does not automatically make the entire building a solar power plant.