Its Composition Will Surprise You
Are you wondering what and howthose black or blue, sleek, and low-profiled designed modern solar panels are made?
Solar panels harness energy from the sunlight to convert it into electricity. Residences, communities, businesses, industries, and power plants are benefiting from the power of the sun. Therefore, the global demand for the production of solar panels is growing.
Going green means getting off the grid, decreasing utility expenses, avoiding electricity loss, and enjoying cost-efficient electricity. More importantly, it is sustainable and clean, which reduces the carbon footprint. Besides, solar panels can last for about 25 years.
It makes you wonder how these eco-energy panels are put together. Here are the materials and a simple guide about the process of making solar panels.
What Makes a Solar Panel?
The building block of solar panels is pure silicon. It is the core ingredient that will be processed and manufactured to create photovoltaic (PV) cells. The Earth’s crust has about 28% silicon, making it the second-most abundant element in the crust next to oxygen. It is different from silicone, which is an artificial substance.
The other materials that compose a solar panel include the metal frame, glass sheet, wires, and plexiglass.
Going back to silicon, take note that pure silicon is not available readily. It comes from mined quartz or silicon dioxide. And this is where the process begins.
How are Solar Panels Made?
1. Produce silicon from quartz.
Silicon dioxide goes through a complicated manufacturing process. A scorching furnace melts down the quartz, releases oxygen, and extracts molten silicon.
The process continues with the purification by continuously passing a rod of impure silicon through a heated zone several times. This method drags all the impurities with it until pure, molten silicon is left.
2. Create silicon ingots.
Since pure silicon is an insulator, it undergoes “doping” to turn it into a semiconductor. Doping is an intricate process of applying an electrical charge to each side of the silicon wafer. This process enables the photovoltaic process and electricity production from the solar panels. It is also infused with supportive elements, such as boron or gallium to give it a positive charge. The negative charge will be added later.
When silicon cools down, it forms a cylindrical shape block of metal called a silicon ingot. One or multiple crystals are blended, which make up the types of solar panels.
3. Cut the ingots into wafers.
The cooled silicon ingots are sliced into discs or paper-thin wafers using a circular saw. The silicon wafers are cut down as thin as possible to reduce waste and increase production efficiencies.
The silicon ingots are polished to remove saw marks and produce smooth and flat sides.
4. Convert a wafer into a solar cell.
Once the solar wafers are ready, it is time to infuse the negative charge. Phosphorus or arsenic are applied as negative charges. These solar wafers become solar cells.
Because pure silicon is shiny, it needs to be treated with an anti-reflective coating such as silicon oxide or titanium dioxide. The coating reduces the amount of sunlight lost and converts light into power. In addition, it creates the matte-look of the solar panel rather than a glossy one and the familiar blackish or bluish hue of the solar panel.
5. Solder solar cells together.
All that is left is to seal a solar cell for protection completely. Silicon rubber is used to enclose the solar cells.
The solar cells need to be placed on a panel in the proper configuration, shape, and size. The cells are soldered together to the back sheet using metal connectors. This base allows the electricity to transfer between the cells and into the solar inverter. Then, the rest of the process is similar to putting a picture on a picture frame where you just put everything layer by layer.
A sturdy metal frame is added to complete the solar panel. It is essential to use a not-so-heavy, non-corrosive, and robust material. Hence, aluminum is the best fit material for the metal frame. It allows the panel to be set up on roofs, protects it from rainfall and harmful and foreign materials.
How Can it Protect the Environment if its Production is Harmful?
It may sound conflicting with the advocacy to go green when the production of solar panels leaves carbon footprints. However, according to studies, the overall greenhouse gas emissions in the production of solar panels are significantly lower than coal or natural gas.
In addition, the renewable energy produced by solar panels is still an enormous gain which offsets the energy required to make a panel.
How to Get a Solar Panel Installation in Your Home?
With the incentives and rebates out there and a desire to be a part of the population going green and protecting the future, you can get a solar system installed on your property. Be it a solar panel on a roof, our team at ACES Lyfe is more than happy to help you achieve that!
Deciding on going green is owning a power source and saving expenses from paying your bill. You also get to protect your home and family now. Get a free solar quote today; we will be your trusted partner in your investment.
Luxury used to be all about flashing big logos and bold statements. But lately, the game’s changed. Quiet luxury is all about subtlety: investing in quality, craftsmanship, and classic pieces that don’t cry out for attention but quietly elevate your space. It’s that feeling you get walking into a room where everything just feels right, without needing […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Buying a mini excavator isn’t something you do on a whim. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or picking up your first machine, you need to know it’s the right fit, not just for today’s jobs, but for what you’ll be tackling a year or two down the line. These machines might be smaller than full-size […]
“Dream kitchens don’t just happen — they’re designed with care and style.” Walking into the same old and outdated kitchen in your home? It’s time to change the design and get that wow factor, according to your needs and wise design choices. Seems like a challenging task, right? But let’s be clear here, the kitchen […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]