www.electronicsandyou.com How solar panels work to generate solar energy: A photovoltaic cell is the smallest and basic building block of a photovoltaic system. A single photovoltaic cell can produce about 1 to 2 watts of electricity. This energy is too less for use in any household or commercial purpose. To increase the output of solar electricity, several photovoltaic cells are electrically connected together to form a photovoltaic panel or photovoltaic module. These photovoltaic panels / photovoltaic modules are further electrically connected to form a photovoltaic array. The number of modules connected to form an array depends on the amount of solar electrical energy needed. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy. When sunlight strikes a solar cell, electrons get loose and move toward the treated front surface of the cell thus creating holes. When many electrons, each carrying a negative charge, travel toward the front surface of the cell, it creates an imbalance of electrons. When the front and back surface of the photovoltaic cell are joined by a connector, say a copper wire, electricity is generated. This is how solar panels work to generate solar energy.