NOVELTY - The method involves transmitting an optical signal from a transmitter (202). The signal is received at a solar cell in a solar panel (201) or solar array, where the cell and the panel are concurrently electrically connected to provide electric current to a power sink (214). The received signal is propagated through metal conduit busbars electrically engaged with the cell and the sink to a processor e.g. microprocessor (207). The received signal is processed to execute a command on the panel. A power output of the panel is recorded at a storage device electrically connected to the panel.    USE - Method for controlling and monitoring individual solar modules e.g. photovoltaic module/panel for a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity by optical communication from a distance for commercial and residential applications, and for receiving coded infrared signals from a transmitter to a bank of solar panels and interpreting the transmitted infrared signal.    ADVANTAGE - The method enables adding a control circuitry for performing signal receiving and processing and relay devices on the solar module, thus enabling multiple functions of solar module control such as output power on/off, and enabling monitoring of performance and status of the solar modules and displaying such monitored results such that an operator can see and understand, and hence allowing one to diagnose individual solar modules without physically disconnecting wires with better operation and maintenance. The method enables providing the solar modules to be turned off and on without physically disconnecting and reconnecting wires, thus enabling more efficient and accurate operation and maintenance of a solar power system of any size.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The storage device is an electrically EPROM. The optical signal is an infrared signal. The command is selected from a group consisting of powering on the solar panel, powering off the solar panel and outputting status information related to the solar panel. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for an optical transmitter and receiver kit.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a block diagram of a structure illustrating a method for controlling and monitoring solar modules by optical communication.    Solar panel (201)    Transmitter (202)    Band pass filter (203)    Microprocessor (207)    Power sink (214)