can someone breifly explain how a solar panel works? you dont have to be very specific just give me the basics

Answer 1

Light impinging on certain substances will generate a small voltage difference across the material. by connecting these "chips" in series and parallel combinations you can produce a respectable voltage and current.

Answer 2

Solar cells are usually made of silicon (semiconductor) and use light to excite electrons to cross the P-N Junction (thus creating electron flow and thus, a current.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell
(Good explanation here.)