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For a "better way", research Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT.)

The solar cell will produce some number of Volts and Amps. But the amount of power (V*A, Watts) a solar cell produces is not simply "when one is at maximum." 

For instance, the most current will happen when the load resistance is lowest.  But the Volts will also be really low, so little power will actually be generated.  Conversely, very little load will give a higher voltage, but lots of volts and little load also equals little power.  A MPPT draws the optimal current at any given illumination so that the most power is delivered from the cell.