Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal collectors capture solar energy directly as useful heat, rather than first generating electricity.
Standard collectors deliver up to about 150°C. Concentrating collectors reach about 400°C, a range covering roughly half of the world's industrial heat needs. Solar heat serves buildings, entire district heating networks and industrial processes.
Two ways to use the sun. Both matter. Only one is usually talked about.
Photovoltaic: sunlight becomes electricity
SUN→PV PANEL→ELECTRICITY→APPLIANCES · GRID
Solar thermal: sunlight becomes heat, directly
SUN→COLLECTOR→USEFUL HEAT ≤400°C