Solar panel and glazing panel

Abstract

This invention relates to a solar panel, and in particular to a solar panel designed to absorb heat from solar radiation. The invention provides a solar panel adapted to fit between two sheets of glass in a glazing panel, the solar panel being adapted to absorb heat from a proportion of the incident light, and to permit another proportion of the incident light to be transmitted through the solar panel and the glazing panel. The invention also provides a glazing panel fitted with a solar panel.

1 . A solar panel adapted to fit between two sheets of transparent material in a glazing panel, the solar panel being adapted to absorb heat from a proportion of the incident light, and to permit another proportion of the incident light to be transmitted through the solar panel and the glazing panel. 
     
     
         2 . A solar panel according to  claim 1  in which the solar panel comprises a first manifold and a second manifold , and a number of tubes which can be fitted between the sheets of transparent material of the glazing panel and connect the first manifold to the second manifold. 
     
     
         3 . A solar panel according to  claim 2  in which the tubes are spaced apart whereby light can pass between neighbouring tubes in use. 
     
     
         4 . A solar panel according to  claim 2  in which at least one of the manifolds includes a baffle. 
     
     
         5 . A solar panel according to  claim 2  in which the manifolds are adapted to fit within respective parts of the frame of the glazing panel. 
     
     
         6 . A solar panel according to  claim 1  in which the solar panel comprises an additional frame component, the additional frame component being adapted to fit within the frame of the glazing panel. 
     
     
         7 . A solar panel according to  claim 1  in which the tubes are acircular throughout a substantial part of their length. 
     
     
         8 . A solar panel according to  claim 7  in which the tubes are flattened so as to increase their surface area relative to their cross-sectional area. 
     
     
         9 . A solar panel according to  claim 7  in which the tubes are substantially circular at their ends. 
     
     
         10 . A solar panel according to  claim 7  in which the angular relationship between the tubes and the manifolds is variable. 
     
     
         11 . A solar panel according to  claim 10  in which the tubes are movable between two predetermined angular positions. 
     
     
         12 . A glazing panel fitted with a solar panel according to  claim 1 , the glazing panel comprising two sheets of glass with all or part of the solar panel mounted therebetween, a proportion of the incident light being absorbed by the solar panel and another proportion of the incident light passing through the solar panel and the glazing panel. 
     
     
         13 . A glazing panel according to  claim 12  in which the longitudinal axes of the tubes is substantially horizontal. 
     
     
         14 . A glazing panel according to  claim 12  in which the longitudinal axes of the tubes is substantially vertical.