Solar panel

An artists impression of the ill-fated Beagle 2 lander. The prominent solar panels are deployed.

Solar Panels generate electric energy out of sunlight. Usually they are made from silicon. Solar panels are frequently used in space for satellites and space stations.

On Mars the sunlight is bright enough to use solar panels. The famous rovers Spirit and Opportunity have them. The experiences are terrific: Since July 2003 they are working fine, and the martian winds have a good cleaning effect on the surface.