Solar panels on satellites are used to convert sunlight into electrical power for the operation of the spacecraft. The electricity generated by solar panels charges the batteries onboard the satellite, which can power the spacecraft even when it moves out of direct sunlight. Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity, and they are made up of solar cells. The more surface area a satellite solar panel has, the more sunlight it catches, and thus the more electrical power it generates. To fit a satellite in a launcher, solar panels are folded together to the side of the satellite, and once the launcher has reached the desired orbit, the satellite is released, and the solar panels are opened.

The purpose of solar panels on satellites is to provide power for two main uses: power to run the sensors, active heating, cooling, and telemetry, and power to run the communication systems. Solar panels are the main source of power for satellites, and they are one of the most essential parts of a spacecraft. Solar panels are used on satellites because they are close enough to the Sun that they can often use solar power. Solar energy has also been used to power spacecraft on Mars.

In summary, the purpose of solar panels on satellites is to convert sunlight into electrical power to operate the spacecraft. The electricity generated by solar panels charges the batteries onboard the satellite, which can power the spacecraft even when it moves out of direct sunlight. Solar panels are the main source of power for satellites, and they are used to power the sensors, active heating, cooling, telemetry, and communication systems.