Solar energy plays a significant role as a clean energy source that is widely utilized in the world. Most solar panels, which are the devices that receive solar energy, are made of monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous silicon.

1. How are solar panels made?

1.1 Refining raw materials

First of all, the most important material for solar panels is silicon, the second most abundant element in the world after oxygen. Silicon is widely found in nature, you can find silicon compounds in common stones, the sea, gravel and even in animals and plants. By heating silicon to about 1,400 degrees, you can get silicon with a high degree of purity.

The main types of solar panels are monocrystalline silicon solar panels, polycrystalline silicon solar panels, and amorphous silicon solar panels; monocrystalline comes from refining one type of cylindrical crystal in molten silicon, while polycrystalline solar panels use a mixture, so polycrystalline solar panels tend to be less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels, and amorphous solar panels are the least efficient.

1.2 Construct solar cells and make panels

The solar cell is the core of the solar panel. By mixing crystalline silicon, gallium and boron together to make a silicon ingot, and then adding the right amount of phosphorus to the silicon ingot, the cell can achieve the effect of electrical conductivity. The ingot is then cut into thin slices to make it easier to manipulate later, an anti-reflective coating is applied, and finally slits are cut in the cell to direct the current to complete the solar cell.

The thin layer of metal left on the bus acts as a soldering joint, and the metal connectors then use the soldering process to form the dispersed solar cells into a single unit. However, it is important to note that solar panels need to be manufactured in sizes that are typically 65 panels for standard sizes and 70 panels for commercial projects. Since phosphorus can charge silicon, this makes a panel a great success!

1.3 Installation of tiny components

Most of these components play a role in assisting the solar panel to work and are usually backsheets, front glass layers, metal frames, and so on. These parts are indispensable, such as the back plate installed at the bottom of the solar cell consists of corrosion-resistant insulating material – plastic, which is conducive to the timely dissipation of heat and protection of the battery to work properly and other functions. Note that the thin glass plate and the top of the panel should be connected with a similar glue made from EVA copolymer, which not only plays a role in fixing, but also prevents the entry of rainwater, which can damage the solar panel.

1.4 Testing and Certification

Batteries are checked for conformity before they are placed on the market, and are tested and certified to meet projected output, efficiency, and specifications before they are shipped and installed. Through this process, you can maximize the assurance of a good experience when using the product.

2. The main components of solar panel structure

2.1 Backsheet

Solar panels are usually sealed in an airtight space, which is to prevent the erosion of rainwater on the surface of the solar cell and the internal wiring. However, the operation of a solar panel in a closed state generates a large amount of heat, leading to a sharp rise in ambient temperature. It is well known that solar panels do not work efficiently in hot environments with poor heat dissipation conditions, and the accumulation of heat can even lead to internal wiring burned out. The backsheet has good heat dissipation performance, and will not expose the panel to the air, can be very good at this job.

2.2 Glass encapsulation layer

Solar panels exposed to air for a long time will be seriously corroded, this time it needs a transparent and good sealing object to act as a vital protection role. The nature of glass is stable, has good light transmission, very good at this job. At the same time, the glass used for solar panels has a certain thickness, can play a certain role in the protection of solar panels.

2.3 Solar cell sheet

The solar cell sheet is the core component between the backsheet and the glass panel, usually using silicon as the main material. The solar cell will convert solar energy into electricity through a series of complex reactions.

2.4 Circuit System

As the name suggests, this is what controls the flow of electricity in the solar panel. There is a complex circuit system inside the solar panel, including circuit boards and wires, which are wrapped in a layer of insulating plastic to insulate and protect them. In short, the circuit system is the “blood vessels” of the solar panel, which plays a very important role in carrying the current.