Solar panels are usually made from a few key components: silicon, metal, and glass. The most common material used to create solar panels is silicon, which is used to create semiconductors for about 95% of all solar panels on the market today. There are three main types of silicon solar cells:

• Monocrystalline silicon panels: These are made from a single crystal and are the most efficient solar panels, but they’re also the most expensive.

• Polycrystalline silicon solar cells: These are made from multiple silicon crystals melded together. They’re not quite as high-efficiency as monocrystalline panels, but they’re a more budget-friendly rooftop solar option.

• Thin-film solar cells: These are made from amorphous silicon, which makes them the most flexible solar panels but also the least efficient.

Other types of solar panels include cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium (di)selenide panels, and thin-film amorphous silicon.

The solar cells are soldered together in a matrix-like structure between the glass panels, and interact with the thin glass wafer sheet to create an electric charge. Copper metal conductors and wiring connect the solar cells together into one big solar panel, giving it the classic matrix appearance. Copper is a good electrical conductor and very malleable, making it a great material for forming the wiring that moves the current through the panel. The solar cells are then sealed under an anti-reflective glass cover.