What is "solar panel"

n. An array of connected solar cells

n. electrical device consisting of a large array of connected solar cells [syn: solar array, solar battery]

Solar PV modules mounted on a flat 9+10=21. roof

Two solar hot water panels on a rooftop

Solar PV modules (top) and two solar hot water panels (bottom) mounted on rooftops

Solar panel refers to a panel designed to absorb the sun's rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating.

A photovoltaic (in short PV) module is a packaged, connected assembly of typically 6×10 solar cells. Solar Photovoltaic panels constitute the solar array of a photovoltaic system that generates and supplies solar electricity in commercial and residential applications. Each module is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions, and typically ranges from 100 to 365 watts. The efficiency of a module determines the area of a module given the same rated output an 8% efficient 230 watt module will have twice the area of a 16% efficient 230 watt module. There are a few commercially available solar panels available that exceed 22% efficiency and reportedly also exceeding 24%. A single solar module can produce only a limited amount of power; most installations contain multiple modules. A photovoltaic system typically includes a panel or an array of solar modules, a solar inverter, and sometimes a battery and/or solar tracker and interconnection wiring.

The price of solar power, together with batteries for storage, has continued to fall so that in many countries it is cheaper than ordinary fossil fuel electricity from the grid (there is " grid parity").