The term solar panel is used colloquially for a photo-voltaic (PV) module.
A PV module is an assembly of photo-voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Photo-voltaic cells use sunlight as a source of energy and generate direct current electricity. A collection of PV modules is called a PV Panel, and a system of Panels is an Array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system supply solar electricity to electrical equipment.
| Top Module Producer | Shipments in 2019 (GW)[46] |
|---|---|
| Jinko Solar | 14.2 |
| JA Solar | 10.3 |
| Trina Solar | 9.7 |
| LONGi Solar | 9.0 |
| Canadian Solar | 8.5 |
| Hanwha Q Cells | 7.3 |
| Risen Energy | 7.0 |
| First Solar | 5.5 |
| GCL System | 4.8 |
| Shunfeng Photovoltaic | 4.0 |
In 2019, 114.9 GW of solar PV system installations were completed, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Types of solar Cells
