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Solar panels are gaining interest amongst people of this energy crunched world. What solar panels options do I have? They are an array of photovoltaic cells which capture the energy of the solar rays. In simple terms, the solar panels capture the energy from the sun during the day for later use. Solar energy is renewable source of energy and does not get depleted like coal or natural gas. It can be tapped as much as required and used to power all our energy needs. With the invention of solar panels, which has helped mankind tap the solar energy, solar power has become an increasingly powerful source of energy in the last decade or so. Solar panels are made of crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide. The same silicon is used in the microprocessor chips. The gallium arsenide is very expensive which also makes the initial investment cost of solar panels high. These panels harvest the solar energy and convert it to electricity. The electricity produced depends on how much of energy is harvested. Roughly, a solar sell of 0.2 m in diameter can create electricity of 2 amps of 2 volts when exposed to direct sunlight at the surface of the equator. However, the electricity production is decided not only by the size of the panel but also by the quality of materials used in making the solar cells. With time as well as with wear and tear, the electricity production capacity of the solar cells comes down. The solar panels are environment friendly and cause no pollution while producing the electricity. It also causes no imbalance to the eco system. The electricity generated by the solar panels can be used to power a whole lot of appliances. Solar power is very commonly used for lighting needs. Solar panels are also extensively used on satellites. Solar energy is a clean source of power for all needs, having no impact on the environment.