Abstract: A solar panel includes: a rectangular space frame constructed from timber members 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d; a sheet of plasterboard 2 beneath the timber frame; a foil backing 3 on the plasterboard; and a shaped bed 4 made of polyurethane foam which is moulded into position in the housing constituted by the timber frame and the sheet of plasterboard 2, and which adheres in an air-tight manner to the housing. A foil cover 5 is provided on top of the shaped bed 4. Above the foil cover 5 is a solar radiation absorber 6, comprising a matrix of glass fibre which is bonded by a phenol formaldehyde resin, seated in a recess 4a in the bed 4; and a housing cover 7 comprising a sheet of toughened glass. Cover retention means comprising aluminium extrusions 21 and silicone gaskets 22 secure the housing cover 7 in position.