What is Solar?

Solar panels (often referred to as "modules") are constructed of electricity generating solar "cells" made of silicon.  These are laid out in rows, and sandwiched ("laminated") between a clear top sheet and a strong, flexible backing sheet, like aluminium.

This laminated module is then framed and has connectors added, making it ready for installation. 

 a solar cell

The solar cells are light activated semi-conductors, made from benign silicon compounds, which convert sunlight into electricity.  

Photons (light particles) force the release of negative electrons within the silicon, leaving a positive ‘hole’ behind.  By creating alternately charged layers within the cells, the negative electrons and the positive ‘holes’ cannot reconnect, thus forcing the negative electrons to flow around the circuit, generating electricity.