Learn what a solar panel is, how it works, and why it is a clean and renewable source of energy. Find out the history, technology, and benefits of solar panels, and where to buy them. The development of solar energy goes back more than 100 years. In the early days, solar energy was used primarily for the production of steam which could then be used to drive machinery. But it wasn't until the discovery of the. Solar panels collect clean renewable energy in the form of sunlight and convert that light into electricity which can then be used to provide power for. Using solar panels is a very practical way to produce electricity for many applications. The obvious would have to be off-grid living. Living off-grid means living in a location that is not serviced by the main electric utility. modules consist of a large number of solar cells and use light energy () from the Sun to generate electricity through the. Most modules use -based cells or. The structural () member of a module can be either the top layer or the back layer. Cells must be protected from mechanical damage and moistur.