Solar power refers to technology that converts the sun’s rays into usable electricity for your home, business, government building, or educational facility. This electricity is the same as electricity generated through other methods – such as coal-based power plants or hydroelectric dams – but with one key difference. Unlike types of energy that consume fuel to generate electricity, solar power is completely renewable and green.

The key to solar technology is the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels, also known as solar modules or PV modules. These are the big, black panels you’ve probably seen on rooftops. They are composed of several important components: