Energy from photons or light particles can be absorbed or released by electrons. When an electron absorbs a photon, the energy can free the electron to move around, or the electron can release the energy as another photon. Solar panels work by absorbing energy from photons and freeing electrons to generate electricity.
For more information on electrons and other small particles, see the Ask Mr. Marks answer to Are There Other Small Particles? Play Photon Invaders to see how photons and electrons interact in solar panels.
Proton SUV shoots a photon torpedo at Elly.