The term “solar panel” refers either to panels that heat water or to those that power electric devices. Water-heating panels have been around at least since the 1920s, but their prominence has recently been diluted by the increasing commercial success of photovoltaic (electric) panels. Whichever type you’re interested in, the solar panel will be the central element of your solar power system. It is the component of the system that actually absorbs the sun’s energy.

In the case of photovoltaic energy, the solar panels are composed of solar cells. The cells are made of semi-conducting material that knocks electrons loose from their atoms. The panels conduct the energy released to the inverter (link), which converts them from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power. Solar panels are grouped into modules that can be mounted to roofs to receive sunlight. As the images below indicate, solar panels are the most “adjustable” component of your system - you can start with just a few and work your way up as you please.

Just starting out…

A real photon bonanza!

Photos from http://www.nrel.gov/