A solar panel, or photovoltaic PV module, is a device that is composed of solar cells and which, when struck by photons of light from the sun, generates an electrical current which can then be used to power DC or AC electrical loads.

Made most commonly using the mineral silicon, solar cells essentially create electricity by converting photons of light into electrons. The "photovoltaic effect" occurs when photons of light from the sun strikes these cells, a portion of the energy is absorbed into the silicon, displacing electrons which then begin to flow. In order to harness this flow, the electrons are drawn into a magnetic field generated by positively- and negatively-charged metal contacts on the top and bottom of the cell. producing direct current, or DC, electricity. Using a DC to AC inverter, the DC current is converted to alternating current, or AC, which can then be used to power electrical appliances.