Solar Panels

[green_giant]

hey, can anyone tell me how a solar panel works? a diagram would be good! thanks.

[jake-the-peg]

Good article on wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell

[Clanad]

jake's source is an excellent explanation of converting sunlight to electricity, however, a more economical conversion of sunlight to heat is also available and has been for a number of years. These are simple, usually roof-mounted panels of glass that have PVC piping routed through them. The PVC is usually filled with ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) which is heated by the sunlight. This is pumped through a heat exchanger and routed into the house or other building. Quite simple and economical. It's used extensively here in the western U.S. , but usually as a supplemental source of heat...

[gammaray]

So, of absolutely no use what so ever here in Britain! - unless you like cold rain water!