How Solar Panels are Made

When a solar panel converts sunlight that into electricity, is a process known as the photovoltaic effect.

Solar power panels are made up of groups of solar cells that are joined together inside a frame. An individual solar cell can convert sunlight into electricity, but it can only produce about 1-2 watts (3) of power. In order to generate useful amounts of solar power electricity for your home, several solar cells need to be joined together to form a solar panel.

 

Being able to join solar cells together to get more power is one of the key benefits of a solar cell. This modularity is great because if you need more power, you just need to add another solar cell. This characteristic carries over to solar energy panels as well. You can combine multiple solar panels in order to generate more power. When you combine multiple solar panels together they form a solar array.

Modularity is great because you can grow your solar power systems over time. You can start off with a small system and purchase additional solar panels at a future date.