You can find a number of devices in the market that runs on solar energy. Solar lights are one of the most popular among all the other applications of solar components. In previous times, the solar lights were considered dim and unreliable due to less glow and lack of quality. Such lights were pretty expensive back then. However, in the past few years things have changed a lot. Solar lights are considered one of the most reliable electrical components.

Solar lighting

Solar lighting is gaining a significant place in our life due to its increasing reliability and cost effective nature. These lights may seem a bit expensive to you, but the incredible feature that set them apart from the traditional lighting is that you are not supposed to spend a single dime in order to provide them with fuel. Solar energy is the only sort of fuel that is present all over the world in abundance, and you can use as much you require.

Solar panel

If you are thinking about having a solar energy system for your house, then you must keep in mind some vital components of that system. The major part of the solar energy system, on which it relies entirely is the solar panel.

This is the part where solar energy is converted into electrical energy. The solar cells are the chief components of the solar panel that are responsible for the energy conversion. The alternative name used for solar cells is the PV or photovoltaic cells.

Solar cells and silicon

The usual material used for the manufacture of solar cells is the silicon. Silicon is an important semiconductor that is used in various electronic components. After being cut into a wader size, silicon becomes able to absorb solar heat or radiations. It creates electricity that is then captured by the diodes that are connected to the semiconductor. Silicon is the only significant feature of the solar cell.

Generation of solar cells

Two additional generations of solar cells are available in the market for the same purposes. Second generation of the solar cells consist of thin-film solar cells. Amorphous silicon is consumed during the manufacture of such cells. In addition to silicon, cadmium telluride and CIGS are also used in these cells.

Third generation of solar cells

Organic solar cells are make the third generation of the silicon cells. These solar cells include simple everyday items like fruit extracts and blackberries. Carbon based components are used to make polymer solar cells. Copper and other metal are used to make foil solar cells that make them flexible and thin. The third generation solar cells are available for reasonable price and may be regarded as cheap as compared to other solar cells. Efficiency of these cells is also far better.