There is usually a diode in the circuit that will only allow current to
flow one way through the panel.  If not, I believe that the panel will act
as a high resistance load and will drain power from the battery.

Dave K.

>
>If I recall correctly from my optoelectronics class, (10 years ago) current
>won't flow backward through a photovoltaic cell, wich has a battery
>connected as a load, because the photocell is reverse biased with respect to
>the battery.
>
>I bet Darrell Boehler, if he reads this, will know for sure.
>
>Marshall Ruskin
>84 Westy