What s inside a solar panel

What are the components of a solar panel?

Understanding the components of a solar panel empowers informed decision-making when selecting photovoltaic systems. Each component—from photovoltaic cells and protective glass to frames and junction boxes—contributes to overall system performance, reliability, and longevity. Key considerations for component selection include:

What does a solar panel look like?

From the outside, a solar panel looks like a simple sheet of glass in a metal frame. But that sleek exterior hides a sophisticated, multi-layered system where every single part has a critical job to do. Think of it as a high-tech sandwich, with each layer working together to catch sunlight and turn it into clean electricity for your home.

How do solar panels work?

In the sections ahead, we’ll walk through each part so you can better understand how solar panels work and why they’re built to last for decades. Also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, solar cells are the heart of a solar panel. They’re made from semiconductor materials, typically silicon, that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Do solar panels have inverters?

Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, but your home runs on alternating current (AC). An inverter’s job is to convert DC electricity into usable AC, so your solar system can power your home’s lights, appliances, and more. While inverters aren’t a part of the panel’s physical construction, they’re a critical component.