Do solar panels have solar cells?

Answer 1

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are the core components of solar energy systems responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Let's explore the components and functionality of solar panels:

Solar Cells: At the heart of a solar panel are solar cells, which are typically made of semiconductor materials such as silicon. When exposed to sunlight, solar cells generate direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Multiple solar cells are interconnected within a panel to increase voltage and current output.

Panel Encapsulation: Solar cells are encapsulated within a protective casing made of tempered glass, polymer materials, and a frame typically constructed of aluminum. Encapsulation shields the solar cells against environmental elements like moisture, dust, and mechanical harm, guaranteeing sustained durability and performance over time.

Backsheet: The backsheet is a thin layer of material applied to the rear surface of the solar panel to provide electrical insulation and weather resistance. It prevents moisture ingress and protects the electrical components of the panel from environmental hazards.

Junction Box: Located on the backside of the solar panel, the junction box contains electrical components such as diodes and wiring connections. It serves as the interface for connecting multiple panels in series or parallel configurations and facilitates the transfer of electrical current from the solar array to external electrical systems.

Frame: The frame of a solar panel provides structural support and rigidity, ensuring the integrity of the panel under various environmental conditions. Typically made of aluminum or other lightweight materials, the frame also facilitates the easy installation and mounting of solar panels on rooftops or ground-mounted structures.

Solar panels are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and have a lifespan of 25 years or more. They play a vital role in harnessing renewable solar energy and are widely used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar installations worldwide.

Answer 2

Solar panels which are solar photovoltaic (solar - electric), i.e. produce electricity (or convert the solar light energy to electrical) directly usually do have solar cells. Solar cells are the building blocks of the solar electric (photovoltaic) systems.

The solar cell by definition is the smallest technical device that on its own can convert solar light energy in to electricity.

The solar module (hold on for the solar panel definition) is the smallest, most basic component that in addition to being able to convert light to electricity also is environmentally protected and has the physical configuration to be mounted in a useful practical photovoltaic solution. I.e. solar cell, yes, you can use to produce electric energy form sunlight but you can not readily place outside exposed to the elements and conveniently connect to rest of the electric circuit of your system. While modules consist (usually) of cells and are meant to be completely enclosed in proper materials (usually frame and long term sealants) to be protected from the elements and have electric leads out ready to be connected to a standard photovoltaic circuit.

Solar panels are usually the solar modules themselves (in most cases) but the definition for them is that they are also either one module or several, assembled for proper mechanical mounting.

Again in 99% of the cases a module is also a panel - i.e. having both the characteristics of being environmentally isolated and build in a manner ready to be mounted connected to a photovoltaic circuit.

Now when we said modules and panels in most cases consist of cells, what we meant is there are technologies of solar panels/modules in which the cell is not an easily identifiable separate component. This is the the case of all of the kinds of thin-film modules. In them the cells are practically intangible or invisible or at least visibly inseparable and are built as a monolith structure of the panel/module.

Have in mind we started also the answer with saying this is only for solar photovoltaic. Things are very different for solar thermal (electric) and also different for solar thermal (water and air heating).

Much Shorter Answer:

Yes. A 12 VDC solar panel usually has 36 solar cells inside the panel. Assume about 0.5 to 0.7 vdc per cell.