Quick answer: A solar panel, or photovoltaic (PV) module, is a set of silicon cells sealed under glass in an aluminium frame that turns sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts that DC into the alternating current (AC) your home uses. In Toronto, each kilowatt of south-facing panels makes about 1,163 kWh a year.
Key takeaways
- A panel’s main parts are the PV cells, glass cover, encapsulant, backsheet, aluminium frame and junction box.
- Panels make DC power and an inverter turns it into AC. Our page on home solar panel installation covers the full system.
- Panels are rated in watts. Xolar installs 500 W panels, so two panels make 1 kW of capacity.
- Output follows the seasons: in Toronto, a kilowatt of panels makes about 128 kWh in July and 51 kWh in December.
- In Ontario, every electrical product, solar panels included, must carry a recognized certification mark such as CSA before it is sold or installed.
A solar panel is more than just a piece of technology, it’s a gateway to clean, renewable energy. Solar panels also offer a gateway to more financial freedom. In the same way you buy a home to get ownership of your living space rather than paying another landowner, solar panels are how you get ownership of your energy production instead of paying that money to a power company.
But what exactly is a solar panel, and how does it work? Let’s take a deeper look into the components of a solar panel and how it actually generates electricity for your home. Once you know how a panel works, the next questions are how many solar panels you need and string vs micro inverters.
The Anatomy of a Solar Panel
A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) panel, is a device that converts sunlight into electricity. It’s made up of several key components that work together to harness solar energy:
- Photovoltaic Cells: These are the heart of the solar panel. Photovoltaic cells are
made from semiconductor materials, usually silicon, that absorb sunlight and
generate an electric current. Each cell produces a small amount of electricity, and
when combined, the cells generate enough power to be useful for homes and
businesses. - Glass Covering: The top layer of a solar panel is a durable glass covering that
protects the photovoltaic cells from weather, debris, and other environmental
factors while allowing sunlight to pass through. - Encapsulation: Beneath the glass is a layer of encapsulant material that cushions
and protects the photovoltaic cells, keeping them securely in place and preventing
moisture from reaching them. - Backsheet: The back of the panel is covered with a backsheet, which provides
additional protection from the elements and helps with insulation. - Frame: The entire panel is encased in a metal frame, typically made of aluminum,
which provides structural support and allows for easy mounting on roofs or other
surfaces. - Junction Box: Attached to the back of the panel, the junction box is where the
electrical connections are made. It contains diodes that prevent electricity from
flowing backward through the panel, ensuring that power only flows in the correct
direction.
How Solar Panels Work
The process of generating electricity from sunlight begins when sunlight hits the
photovoltaic cells in a solar panel. Here’s how it works:
- Absorption of Sunlight: When sunlight strikes the photovoltaic cells, it excites the
electrons in the semiconductor material, causing them to move. - Creation of Electric Current: As the electrons move, they create a flow of electric
current. This direct current (DC) electricity is what the solar panel generates. - Conversion to Usable Electricity: Since most homes use alternating current (AC)
electricity, the DC electricity from the solar panels is sent to an inverter, which
converts it to AC. This converted electricity can then be used to power your home or
business. - Net Metering: When your solar system produces more electricity than you need,
the excess energy will be sent back to the grid, earning you credits through an
agreement with your power company called Net Metering. These credits will be
used to offset your electricity consumption when your panels aren’t producing
enough energy, such as at night or during low sunlight winter months. In Ontario, credits carry forward for up to 12 months and then expire (O. Reg. 541/05). A system sized to your yearly use makes most of its surplus in summer: Natural Resources Canada estimates a Toronto array produces about 128 kWh per kW in July and 51 in December. Homeowners who take the Home Renovation Savings rebate cannot sign a net metering agreement.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels come in different types, each with its own advantages:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These panels are made from a single crystal
structure and are known for their high efficiency and sleek appearance. They
perform well in low-light conditions and require less space compared to other types. - Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Made from multiple crystal structures,
polycrystalline panels are generally more affordable but slightly less efficient than
monocrystalline panels. They are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a
cost-effective option. - Thin-Film Solar Panels: These panels are made by depositing a thin layer of
photovoltaic material onto a substrate. They are lightweight, flexible, and can be
installed in a variety of locations. However, they are typically less efficient than
crystalline panels and may require more space.
Frequently asked questions
What is a solar panel in simple terms?
A solar panel is a flat, framed sheet of silicon cells that makes electricity when sunlight hits it. Light knocks electrons loose in the cells, and wiring in the panel collects that flow as direct current (DC). An inverter then converts it to alternating current (AC) for your home. Panels have no moving parts and need little upkeep.
How much electricity does a home solar system produce?
Each kilowatt of panels makes about 1,163 kWh a year in Toronto and 1,200 in Ottawa, according to Natural Resources Canada, for a south-facing array. A 500 W panel in Toronto makes about 580 kWh a year. An 8 kW system of 16 panels makes about 9,300 kWh, close to the 9,000 kWh a typical Ontario home uses in a year.
What are solar panels made of?
Most home panels use crystalline silicon cells sealed between a sheet of tempered glass on top and a protective backsheet underneath, with an encapsulant layer cushioning the cells. An aluminium frame holds the layers together and mounts the panel to the racking, and a junction box on the back holds the wiring connections and bypass diodes.
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What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?
Monocrystalline cells are cut from a single silicon crystal, which makes them more efficient and gives them an even black look. Polycrystalline cells are made from many crystals melted together. They cost less to make but convert less of the light to power, so you need more roof space for the same output.
Do solar panels work in winter and on cloudy days?
Yes, but they produce less. Panels respond to light, not heat, so they keep working in cold weather. Short days, low sun and snow cover cut output: in Toronto, a kilowatt of panels makes about 40% as much in December as in July. Clouds reduce output but do not stop it. Our guide to solar panel snow guards covers snow sliding off panels.
How long do solar panels last?
Panels are built for decades of service with no moving parts. The panels Xolar installs come with the manufacturer’s 25-year panel warranty, which covers manufacturing defects. Output drops slowly as panels age, and each panel’s datasheet lists the expected decline. Inverters carry their own, separate warranty, so check both in your quote.
What does Tier 1 mean for solar panels?
Tier 1 is BloombergNEF’s quarterly list of manufacturers whose panels have gone into large bank-financed solar projects. It measures bankability, not quality: BloombergNEF’s own methodology says the list is not a recommendation and should not be used as a measure of quality. For quality, look at the warranty, certifications and independent test results.
Do solar panels need to be certified in Ontario?
Yes. The Electrical Safety Authority requires every electrical product to be approved by an accredited certification body, such as CSA, and to carry its mark before it is used, sold or installed in Ontario. Installing unapproved equipment is against the law. Ask your installer to confirm the certification marks on the panels and inverter in your quote.
Get the most out of your home solar installation with XOLAR
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as energy rates increase and more people seek sustainable energy solutions for their homes. Whether you’re looking to reduce your electricity bills, lower your environmental impact, or increase the value of your home, solar panels are the way to go.
We pride ourselves in offering a true white glove service, making sure you have a system design that matches your energy needs. Xolar installs 500 W panels backed by the manufacturer’s 25-year panel warranty.
Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of installing solar as well as help make sure you go through the process to get the most out of any government programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your personal energy needs at home.
Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.