TIE solar panel

TIE Fighters have large vertical panels that bracket the cockpit that are referred to as solar panels in most official literature. However, these panels are most likely large radiators.

Justification of Radiators as Primary Function

Quite simply, even if the TIE fighter's wing panels were 100% efficient solar collectors (which is, of course, impossible), the panels would only provide a negligible amount of power to the craft.

External Links

• Curtis Saxton's discussion on the Star Wars Technical Commentaries