Solar Panels Overview

Solar panels are devices for capturing the energy in sunlight.
Solar panels contain arrays of solar cells that convert light into electricity. They are called solar after the sun because the sun is the most powerful source of the light available for use. The solar cells are sometimes called photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic meaning literally "light-electricity". Solar cells rely on the photovoltaic effect to absorb the energy of the sun and cause current to flow between two oppositely charged layers.

Solar panel uses

Solar panels currently make up only a very small portion of the world's electricity production, mainly held back by the relatively high cost of purchase and installation. They have become routine in certain applications, such as powering devices in deserts and other remote areas. Many yachts and land-vehicles use them to charge on-board batteries away from grid power.
Incentive programs offering financial incentives like the ability to sell excess electricity back to the public grid have greatly accelerated the pace of solar power in some countries like Spain, Germany, Japan and the United States. Even with these incentives however, the start-up costs associated with solar electric panels can be quite substantial.

Examples

Solar panel at gas station.

Solar panel at roof of house.

Closer view of solar panel.