What are the components of a solar panel?

The main component of a solar panel is a solar cell, which converts the Sun ’s energy to usable electrical energy. The most common form of solar panels involve crystalline silicon -type solar cells. These solar cells are formed using layers of elemental silicon and elements such as phosphorus and boron.

How are solar panels made?

The basis of producing most solar panels is mostly on the use of silicon cells. These silicon cells are typically 10–20% efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, with newer production models exceeding 22%.

How do solar panels produce electricity?

Solar panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells which produce electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. PV cells convert sunlight into electrical energy and are typically composed of either monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells.

How do solar panels work?

PV cells are made of materials that produce excited electrons when exposed to light. The electrons flow through a circuit and produce direct current (DC) electricity, which can be used to power various devices or be stored in batteries. Solar panels are also known as solar cell panels, solar electric panels, or PV modules.

How are polycrystalline solar cells made?

Polycrystalline solar cells are also silicon cells, but rather than being formed in a large block and cut into wafers, they are produced by melting multiple silicon crystals together. Many silicon molecules are melted and then re-fused together into the panel itself.

What is a solar panel?

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen. Solar panel, a component of a photovoltaic system that is made out of a series of photovoltaic cells arranged to generate electricity using sunlight.