Abstract: A solar panel for use in hostile environments. The panel includes top and bottom molded glass plates, each having a downwardly directed sidewall extending around their outer peripheries. The bottom plate is positioned beneath and within the sidewalls of the top plate thereby downwardly directing the opening to the compartment formed between the top and bottom plates. Recesses are molded in either the bottom of the top plate or in the top of the bottom plate for receiving solar cells whereby the thickness of the compartment is minimized. The recesses are sized and shaped to conform to the size and shape of the solar cells. A passageway is provided from each recess to an adjacent recess for electrical connections between adjacent solar cells which are positioned in each of the recesses. Potting compound having an index of refraction similar to the index of refraction of glass fills the compartment. The thickness of the compartment is sufficient to allow the compound to withstand thermal cycling.