PV Gap

Kent Said:

Can solar panels be used in smaller heating elements?

We Answered:

Yes.
But it would not very effective for heating.
You could replace the little LED light with a section of thin wire with the same resistance. As far as the little storage batteries go, it wouldn't know the difference. But before you start tearing apart the patio light, take that section of wire and the battery to see how much heat it will produce.
Be careful. It could get hot.

Edith Said:

Turning off the pool's solar heater during winter months?

We Answered:

I wonder why also. I lived in So Calif and used my spa all year round.

Maybe to drain it? Maybe to cause it to need service more often? (There's my suspicion showing.)

Second thought: I did fint a layer of ice in my bird bath a coupe winter mornings.