All solar lights regardless of their purpose come equipped with a solar panel. Everyone who has heard of solar lights knows this - after all that is what makes the lights solar. However, in my experience, most people are unaware that not all solar panels are created equally. There are three specific attributes of panels that I like to take into account when I am considering solar lights: structure, size, and connection to the light.

1. Structure. There are several different types of solar panels but only three of them are most commonly used in solar lighting industry: polycrystalline, mono crystalline, and amorphous. Polycrystalline panels are made of solar cells that consist of a number of smaller silicon crystals. They can be recognized by a visible metal flake-type grain. These panels are most common and least expensive. Mono crystalline panels are composed of homogeneous single-crystal silicon cells. In single crystal silicon, the arrangement of crystal atoms is continuous and unbroken. It can be identified by an even external coloring. Because of their uniform structure, these solar panels are more efficient and therefore more expensive. Amorphous, unlike crystalline silicon solar panels, are not composed of crystals but rather a thin homogeneous layer of silicon atoms (usually sprayed over metal, glass, or plastic.) Because of the thin layer, these panels generally have to be bigger in size to hold as much energy as crystalline. However, amorphous panels have a structural advantage to crystalline panels: they are able to capture a wider spectrum of light, which, in turn makes them more tolerant of limited light conditions, such as cloudy days. These panels are often used in security solar lights.

2. Size. When it comes to solar light panels, size matters - the bigger ones are more powerful. Believe it or not, the explanation is very logical. The bigger the panel, the more sunlight it will be able to absorb at once, the faster the lights will be charged. This attribute is important in areas with limited sun light. However, bigger is not always better. A huge solar panel might not be esthetically pleasing. So, if your solar lights get plenty of sun during the day, a smaller panel will do the job.

3. Connection to the light. This attribute is referring to the way the solar panel is attached to the light. Many solar panels are installed directly on top of the light, while others are connected through a wire. This feature becomes important when it comes to practicality. Wires might be unnecessary for outdoor solar lights that get plenty of sunlight exposure during the day but vital for any indoor solar lights or path lights placed in a shady spot. In this case only the solar panel that is connected to the lights through a wire needs to be placed in direct sunlight.

When it comes to solar panels in solar lights, there is no single best choice that I can recommend because your pick will depend on a number of factors, such as, functionality, placement, and even price. Yet, I am certain that the information provided here will empower you to make a wise choice that will fit your personal needs.

To explore a variety of solar light choices you may visit www.YourSolarLights.com, a company of Greebie, LLC operated by the author of this article.