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