have a read of this website, should give you the basics
http://eechomeimprovements.co.uk/renewab...
A solar cell is a component that takes solar rays and converts them directly into energy. These units are very small hence their name and their output is also very low. They are one of the most common elements of any solar power system and without them the system would not function. The reason for this is that solar panels are made up of several solar cells.
The output of the panel is dependent on the number, size, and quality of the cells themselves. Typically however the average panel is made up of dozens of these small cells and without them the system would not work. Solar panels on homes are rather small sized and meant for powering typical home appliances or providing general amounts of electricity. Industrial panels however are another story.
Old style solar panels were used to heat water. They were a bit like black radiators on the roof which were heat exchangers through which water flowed trapping the heat from the sun and saving the power needed to normally heat water in households
Modern solar panels are photovoltaic cells which convert sunlight into electricity. They are used in household but you will notice them all over the place powering road signs, calculators, garden lighting etc. There are even solar panels on space craft and artificial satellites which provide them with power to operate.
Solar panels are used to convert sun energy into usuable AC current.
I think you'll find that generally, bricks and mortar are used for houses.
Solar panels are used to generate electricity if they are photovoltaic, or for heating water.
there are two type solar panels
photovoltaic solar panel generate eletricity.
thermal solar panel heats water (ex: or hot shower ).
thy can by used in massive power plants, buildings, electronic equipment, garden lights, simple calculators, .......
http://www.buzzfeed.com/thegeshow/top-10...
Supplying electrical energy to houses, central heating for houses etc. They supply electrical energy, there is not much more to say.
I know solar panels are used for houses but what else , its for a physics homework.
