There are several solar panel types. The two main areas are photovoltaic for electricity and solar thermal collectors for heat transfer. Depending on the user's needs the appropriate type can be chosen.
Photovoltaic Cells (PV)
Traditionally photovoltaic cells are used where the primary energy requirment is electricity - for example to power lights or a television set. They also sometimes occur in toys, novelty items, radios and some street equipment. Caravan users might also power equipment with a portable solar panel. When asked to think of solar panel types it is PV cells that comes to mind for most people.
Solar Thermal Collectors
As introduced above solar thermal collectors fall into the second group of solar panel types. These are mainly used where the requirement is for heat - for example in space heating or for hot water.