The present invention provides a modular panel lighting apparatus comprising a multi layer power board and one or more lighting modules. The power board is a compound structure of one or more electrically conductive layers which are separated by one or more electrically insulating layers. The power board is configured to receive one or more lighting modules and can provide electrical, mechanical and thermal function adequate to meet a desired functionality of the lighting apparatus. A lighting module comprises one or more light-emitting elements operatively attached to a connector element that has one or more electrical contact portions. By inserting the connector element into the power board, the lighting module can be mounted anywhere on the face of the power board. When appropriately inserted into the power board, the one or more electrical contact portions of the connector element can establish selective electrical contact with the conductive layers of the power board and can secure the lighting module in place.