A solar panel, or solar module, is one component of a photovoltaic system. They come in a variety of rectangular shapes and are installed in combination to generate electricity. PV cells are made of materials that produce excited electrons when exposed to light. These electrons flow through a circuit and produce direct current. At the heart are photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into electricity, supported by protective and structural layers that ensure it's delivered safely and reliably. Most panels include solar cells, tempered glass, encapsulant, a backsheet, a metal frame, an inverter, and a junction box. Solar panels, sometimes also. What is a solar panel? How do solar panels work to produce electricity? What are solar cells, and what are they made of? How is energy from sunlight converted into electricity by a solar panel? What are some different types of solar panels? How do solar panels benefit the environment compared to. What Are the Main Components of Solar Panels? A Structural Overview of 6 Key Parts Solar panels are not a single functional element, but modules composed of multiple structural units. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy.