A panel comprises 60-72 solar cells. Solar cells create electricity when exposed to light. Solar panels on a roof (Image by Stefano from Pixabay). Solar panels are the most important part of a solar power system since they produce the electricity that eventually finds it's way to your laptop, lights and television. In this basic introduction, we look at how this happens. This guide explores the fundamentals of solar energy, system components, and practical considerations for harnessing the power. . Solar panels work by turning sunlight into electricity. Here's how it happens: Sunlight and Photons: The sun sends out energy in the form of light. The sun's power can be harnessed to reduce energy bills and environmental impact.