In 2022, most solar panels are made from silicone and enclosed in transparent glass. The idea of harnessing solar energy was envisioned over 100 years ago by French physicist Edmond Becquerel.

He proposed a theory called ‘The Photovoltaic Effect’ and suggested that solar cells could convert sunlight into electricity. Becquerel’s idea was the catalyst for several scientific advancements, such as the invention of the first solar cell in 1893.

Forty-eight years later, the first silicon solar cell was released, quickly followed by the first silicon solar panel in 1954. The rest is history: solar panels allow us to power homes and commercial buildings and grow food and crops. They are one of the most revolutionary inventions of modern times! Put simply, solar panels turn the sun’s energy into usable electricity. Solar panels – also known as photovoltaics (PV) – contain electrons, which start moving when hit with direct sunlight. The moving electrons create an electric current, kind of like a stream of energy, which is then channelled and turned into usable electricity.
The electricity is then sent out of the solar panel through wires, ready to power your gadgets, lights or even your electric vehicle, or it can be sent back to the grid, with suppliers paying you for that energy.