With generation of electricity from coal and fossil fuels becoming more costly, as also endangering the environment by pollution, the need arose for invention of equipments and devices, to generate alternate energy. Harvesting sunlight and converting into electricity has been found the best and cost-efficient way of all. This paved way for invention and use of solar panels technology.
In simple language, it is an assembly of cells, known as photovoltaic cells, and when placed in the sunlight, it is capable of absorbing the rays of sunlight, convert them into energy and transmit as electricity to the end-use. As a single cell can produce only limited energy, they are assembled together as an array of such cells. The number of cells depends upon the need for output of power and so the device can be big or small.
Generally crystalline silicon cells or thin film cells are used for this purpose. Now due to continued improvement of modern technology, particularly amorphous silicon technology, manufacturers are able to produce more durable, thinner in size and cost efficient cells in the assembly.
Basically the usage started for home appliances like heating water. Then by the efficiency and cheaper availability of power this way, intensive researches were taken up and this has culminated into innumerable uses commercially.
The list of usages for this alternate power generation apparatus is really very long. In this computer-era, they are getting into cell phone technology even. Today electric and electronic devices that use photovoltaic modules also include – cell phone; lamp; notebook computers; laser technology used in various medical and other fields; vehicles and even planes.
Space stations also use this technology advancement in spacecrafts. The best advantage derived from this alternate energy source is it helps reduce energy consumption, at home and factories. The dwindling fossil fuel energy sources are also saved. So with a view to encourage installation of solar panels, many governments are giving subsidies to consumers to install them, which are known as Feed in Tariffs.



