Different Types of Solar Panels
In this post we will look at the two main Different Types of Solar Panels for Outside Lights. Most outside home features use either the Amorphous or the Crystalline type of Panel. We will look at what makes each one better for the type of light you are looking at and let you choose the proper one. Most manufactures will only use one type to cut down on cost of production.
How a Solar Panel Works
A Solar panel uses the Suns rays to heat a flat Photo Cell panel of electrons. These electrons will start to move as they heat. The more heat the faster they move. The lines in the Photo Cell Panel are like its streets, they are one way streets. The electrons are guided down these streets and when they vibrate with other electrons, a current of electricity is generated.
The faster they move the more current created. The current is either passed through a Diode to a Rechargeable Battery or directly to an object that it will power. The Diode's job is to create a one way street for the current so that the Rechargeable Battery is not discharged through the Photo Cell.
Here is a short video on how the solar panel works
Now lets get into what makes these two different Solar Panels work
Amorphours vs Crystalline Solar Panel
If you need it here is a link to Wikipedia for more of a technical explanation on the Amorphours Solar Panel or the Crystalline Solar Panel. For this post we will talk in simple terms.
The Amorphours Solar Panel can be made thinner. It produces more energy in cloudy situations that the Crystalline version. This type will be best for items that will require energy every day such as security lighting.
The Crystalline version will be cheaper to make and produce more power when the sun shines the brightest. This type will be best for items that require long periods of energy once the sun no longer shines. This would be good for landscape type of lighting.
Conclusion
Each will have its own advantages. One thing to keep in mind, that a dirty Photo Cell does not work as good as a clean one. Check your photo cell first when you are not getting the charge that you need to your Solar Powered equipment.
When you know what Different Types of Solar Panels are available and how they work, your decision on what will work for your will be easier.
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It’s too bad that not everyone’s house isn’t solar powered but hopefully we will get to that some day. It’s nice to see that there are a few different options out there. I was just wondering is there a big difference in the amount of power stored when it’s cloudy out?
Gaymer,
The amount of power that is stored depends on the battery storage. Most solar lighting systems use a small battery. Cloudy days will mess with the amount of power that is available to be stored. Depends on how much power you started with.
John
What an informative article. Very interesting as well. I never had a clue how solar panels worked. You really put it in simple and understanding terms. Thanks for the tips.
Julie
Julie,
A lot of people do not understand Solar Panels and Solar Energy. It will be used more in the future for powering items around the home and business’s. I just seen the new flexible Solar Panels that can be used to charge almost anything.
John
Hello John, I’m Gus, I think it’s a great idea to promote this solar powered products, this type of energy should be the future option.
Go ahead!!
Gus,
Solar energy will be the wave of the future. When using this power system you will not have to rely on others for your energy. Ideally we will see an expansion of solar powered items for the home that does not require the whole house to be on a solar grid.
John
You provide a lot of great, useful information about solar panels on this page. My wife and I have been considering doing a solar array about 200 ft away from our house in the back yard but it’s proving to be quite costly, even with tax incentives.
We are interested in a ground array for the exact reason you mentioned, cleanliness. If they’re on the ground we can wash them periodically opposed to being on the roof. We have lots of trees so pollen will surely accumulate them and hinder their productivity!
Yes the solar panels are quite an expense to start with. After you get over the initial shock you can get a payback very quickly if you have set your system up correctly and keep it running at top shape. Keeping it clean on the ground will be a lot easier than on the roof as my one neighbor does.
John
John
Nice article on solar panels. I didn’t realize there were different types. Would it be a Amorphous or Crystalline type of panel used for creating energy used in the home?
I bought a couple of panels a several years ago to put on my roof. I never got around to doing it. They’re still in the box in my garage. Do solar panels go bad if they’re not used?
Scott,
You will find both types of solar panels in home use. Depending on location and age, the solar panels will store w