• Solar energy brings electricity to neighborhoods.solar-cell image by carsten jacobs from Fotolia.com
  
  Solar modules are clean energy devices, largely composed of photovoltaic cells used to create and distribute solar-based electricity. According to Solar Direct, modules are also critical elements of photovoltaic panels. Panels are composed of several identical modules, and solar arrays are made up of identical panels. Today, solar energy is emerging as a widespread and cost-effective means of cultivating electrical power.
  
  

Photovoltaic Cells

• The most central part in a solar module design is the photovoltaic cell, according to Solar Direct. Numerous cells are attached to create module surfaces and are directly responsible for absorbing solar energy. Cells consist of silicon elements that capture solar light and transform the energy into electricity. Alone, an individual cell produces minimal electricity, thus resulting in modules made up of a multitude of cells--working together--to generate more power. Cells are arranged horizontally along the module in straight line formations.
  
  

Module Casing

• Protecting cells from inclement weather and other hazardous conditions is essential to the proper function of the module, according to Solar Direct. The module casing is designed to maintain the integrity of cellular conductors. The module is often framed with light-weight metal, such as aluminum, and shielded with a single layer of tempered glass. Wire connections attach to the backside of the module, which is glossed with a protective sealant. Sealant prevents water and harmful liquids from penetrating wire connections and the module body.
  
  

Production Efficiencies

• Multiple photovoltaic designs are used to manufacture solar modules, according to Solar Direct. These models include: single crystalline, multi-crystalline, string ribbon, and/or amorphous film technologies. Single and multi-crystalline designs have a long and well-known track record for strong efficiency ratings between 10 to 12 percent, but these technologies are most costly. String ribbon technology reduces the work in the crystalline method although efficiency rates lower by 3 to 4 percent. Amorphous film is the most practical design--simply layering evaporated silicon onto tempered glass surfacing. The result, however, is that its efficiency rating is lowest of all, at 5 to 7 percent.