The term solar panel is best applied to a flat solar thermal collector, such as a solar hot water or air panel used to heat water, air, or otherwise collect solar thermal energy. But 'solar panel' may also refer to a photovoltaic module which is an assembly of solar cells used to generate electricity. In all cases, the panels are typically flat, and are available in various heights and widths.

An array is a group of solar-thermal panels or photovoltaic (PV) modules; the panels can be connected either in parallel or series depending upon the design objective. Solar panels typically find use in residential, commercial, institutional, and light industrial applications.

Solar dish technology converts thermal energy to electricity by using a mirror array to focus the sun's rays on the receiver end of an engine. The internal side of the receiver then heats hydrogen gas which expands. The pressure created by the expanding gas drives a piston, crank shaft, and drive shaft assembly much like those found in internal combustion engines but without igniting the gas. The drive shaft turns a small electricity generator. The entire energy conversion process takes place within a canister the size of an oil barrel. The process requires no water and the engine is emission-free.

Tests conducted by SCE and the Sandia National Laboratories have shown that the Solar dish technology is almost twice as efficient as other solar technologies. These include parabolic troughs which use the sun's heat to create steam that drives turbines similar to those found in conventional power plants, and photovoltaic cells that rely on an expensive and increasingly limited raw material stock.

Fortunately, electronics companies have seen the light, and realized the market potential for aesthetically appealing solar panels that can be integrated into the roof of one's house. Finally, there are now quite a few aesthetically appealing brands of BIPV, (or Building Integrated Photovoltaics) out in the marketplace today.

Sunslates, made by Atlantic Energy Systems are photovoltaic cells which can be mounted to traditional slate roofing tiles and can be networked alongside each other in horizontal strings of 24. Due to their roots as regular roofing tile, installation is relatively straight forward and can be accomplished by any trained roofer & electrician. Furthermore, Sunslates work well in both new building developments and re-roofing applications, as they require minimal "roof penetration" for running wires to the inverter.

The innovative UNI-SOLAR product line includes building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) a lightweight, flexible solar electric system designed to serve a dual purpose of roofing and power generation. It is also an ideal solution for new construction or re-roof situations.

Uni-Solar thin film modules provide excellent power output in low light, dusty, and shade conditions. These modules are also unbreakable and very durable. Uni-solar also makes a photovoltaic laminate that can be integrated into a standing seam roof.

• Architecturally pleasing systems that do not distract from the natural lines of the home
• Complete design freedom with ridge to eave coverage possible
• Solar panels are structurally and aesthetically integrated roofing elements
• Cost effective installation through easy and fast fixing of large area roofing elements using standard installation techniques
• No back-ventilation of solar panels necessary (lightweight laminates are easy to handle and can be field applied directly on metal)
• No support structures needed
• UL Listed as prepared roofing cover
• Modules and inverter UL Listed
• Integrated with flat 16” wide (minimum) metal roofing systems
• Wind and water-tight roof
• Suitable both for renovation and for new construction
• 20-year power output and 5-year system warranty
• Standard junction box or weather-tight quick connect system
• “Peel & stick” adhesive backing capable of withstanding 160 mph wind loads

Larger photovoltaic installations currently provide electricity for homes and commercial buildings, but there is also an increasing tendency to use smaller systems to provide electricity for pumps, road signs, telephone boxes and streetlights. An innovative approach to their use and rapidly developing technology will be the key to its success.

At a simple level, photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity by the interaction of photons and electrons within a semiconductor material. To create a photovoltaic cell, a material such as silicon is doped with atoms from an element with one more or less electrons than occurs in its matching substrate (e.g., silicon). A thin layer of each material is joined to form a junction. Photons, striking the cell, cause this mismatched electron to be dislodged, creating a current as it moves across the junction. Through a grid of physical connections, the current is gathered. Various currents and voltages can be supplied through series and parallel arrays of cells.

The term solar panel is best applied to a flat solar thermal collector, such as a solar hot water or air panel used to heat water, air, or otherwise collect solar thermal energy. But 'solar panel' may also refer to a photovoltaic module which is an assembly of solar cells used to generate electricity. In all cases, the panels are typically flat, and are available in various heights and widths.

An array is a group of solar-thermal panels or photovoltaic (PV) modules; the panels can be connected either in parallel or series depending upon the design objective. Solar panels typically find use in residential, commercial, institutional, and light industrial applications.

Solar Thermal systems collect the heat from sunlight to produce hot water, heat, or electric power. Solar Thermal differs from Passive Solar in that a mechanical device distributes the heated water or air throughout the building.

Solar Power water heating systems are the most popular form of solar energy. Low-temperature systems are installed on roofs which are preferably south facing and the system is then connected to the hot water system. Medium temperature systems heat either air or liquid as a heating conductor and are used to provide space, water, and process heating. These usually consist of flat-plate collectors: large, flat boxes that are dark inside, with one or more glass covers