A solar energy converter comprises a thin panel enclosure, at least one solar cell contained within the enclosure, and a thin layer of gel contained within the thin panel enclosure and enclosing the at least one solar cell. The thin panel enclosure has a two-dimensional flat base, short side walls, and a transparent lid separated from the flat base by the short side walls, the short side walls enclosing an interior cavity having a depth substantially smaller than either of the two-dimensional base dimensions. The at least one solar cell has a front surface and a back surface. The thin layer of gel wets both the front surface and back surface of the at least one solar cell and holds the at least one solar cell separate from the base and lid.