• A series of solar panels is assembled to create a solar array.Solar image by Thomas Leiss from Fotolia.com
  
  Solar collectors are systems that integrate solar panels into new or existing electrical systems to provide power to homes and other buildings. Solar panels and the cells within them are the most visible and recognizable component of any solar collector system, but many other components are required to complete the system and convert the light of the sun to usable electrical energy.
  
  

Solar Panel

• Also known as a solar module, solar panels are a collection of connected solar cells used to gather energy from sunlight. Because individual solar panels are capable of producing limited amounts of power, they are often used in conjunction with several other connected panels. This arrangement of solar panels is called a solar array. Solar panels are composed of solar cells, a housing made from plastic, fiberglass or metal, and connectors the integrate them into a solar array or electrical system.
  
  

Solar Cells

• The integral components of a solar collector, solar cells are the piece of the apparatus that harness sunlight and convert it to electricity. Each cell contains a photoactive layer, within which electrons enter a high state of energy when bombarded by photons from the sun. The excess energy created is then transferred to a power converter to supplement an existing electrical grid or a home's power supply.
  
  

Power Conversion and Storage

• A conventional power converter receives direct-current electricity from the solar module and converts it to alternating current, allowing traditional electric devices, such as appliances and electronics, to draw their power from the solar energy system. In smaller solar energy systems, a battery or battery array stores the electricity generated by the solar panels for later use.
  
  

Other Components

• Solar panel arrays require a frame or other structure to hold them in place. Some advanced solar panel arrays are attached to moving support structures that redirect the panels according to the position of the sun for optimal collection. The support structure of the solar array also houses the connectors and wiring necessary to form a circuit between the panels and either an electrical grid, a battery or a power converter.