A solar generator is a solar pv system that generates electricity from the sun, or said otherwise, converts the "photonic energy" from the sun into electricity.

A basic solar generator consists of a solar array (the solar panels), an inverter that converts the DC (direct current) energy from the solar panels into AC (alternating current) household-type of electrical energy, and a few (or more than a few) accessories.

A solar array may consist of hard panels (monocrystalline or pollycrystalline) or it may consist of flexible (thin film) "panels." Hard panels are used in most residential and commercial applications for two reasons: 1) They pack twice as much  power per square foot as flexible panels do, and 2) Flexible panels can only be installed on smooth, flat surfaces.