Usually the single solar cell in the solar lights can produce 0.45 volts at the maximum
. Naturally, the current produced will depend on the cell size and the amount of light that would strike the surface. Typical back yard or lawn solar outdoor lights will contain four solar cells those are wired in a series.
Power Production
Producing around 1.8 volts and around 100 milliamps in the full bright sunlight, these lights have the following working components.
Outer periphery of the solar light contains a glass cover that protects it against environmental hazards.
Beneath the glass cover are located the solar cells that gets energy from the charged battery generating illumination.
By the side of the cells is located the photo-resistor that helps to identify darkness and requirements of light.
Other components are the battery, controller board, and LED.
Finally; there is the lamp cover that gives protection as well as generates styles in the lights.
Working System
Solar cells remain wired directly to battery through some diode. Task of the diode used is to prevent the current flowing back from battery in to the solar cells at night. Normally the standard AA Nicad battery is used in the quality solar light fixtures. One battery is capable of producing 1.2 volts and can store around 700 milliamp hours. Unless the days are pretty short (as it happens during the winter) or overcast (A common feature in rainy season) the battery will get fully charged during the daytime.
Solar Cell Features
Solar cells produce power only in the day time.
At night they stop producing any power.
Photo-resistor will turn on the LED.
A simple circuit with the use of transistor and also a relay that controls the light.
In some of the solar lights, instead of relay a couple of transistors are used.
Simple Factors
Usually solar outdoor lights work on the simple factors of charging during the day times and illuminating using the charge in the night. Controller board in the device will accept power from the solar cell as well as the battery. Combining them with the input in the photo-resistor, the three-transistor circuit in the device will turn on the LED as soon as the photo-resistor detects darkness.