A polycrystalline solar panel is a photovoltaic module that comprises an array of polycrystalline photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, utilize incidental solar radiation to generate electrical energy. A solar cell has a p-n junction which separates positive (holes) and negative (electrons) charge carriers, thus producing an electrical current across the cell and external circuitry. The p-n junction is commonly based on crystalline silicon. Silicon solar cells come in two types: monocrystalline cells and polycrystalline cells. In contrast to monocrystalline cells made from a single large crystal, polycrystalline solar cells are made from thin wafers of silicon cut from an ingot of melted and recrystallized silicon.
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