The operation of photovoltaic power generation is inseparable from solar panels. The basic structure of solar panels is mainly composed of electronic components. Adding controllers, batteries and inverters to the basic structure forms a solar power supply system.

Common solar panels basically use silicon for energy conversion, and are divided into monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon in terms of production methods. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of monocrystalline silicon solar panels is higher than that of polycrystalline silicon solar panels, and the production cost is also large; the conversion efficiency of polycrystalline silicon solar panels is lower than that of monocrystalline silicon solar panels, but the total production cost is also lower. 
In addition, there is another type of solar panel called amorphous silicon solar panel. Its production method is completely different from that of monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon solar panels. However, its conversion efficiency is very low, so it is rarely used.